Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 66 The Tumultuous Journey

Traveling in ancient times was not easy, even in a world of high martial arts, but it didn't affect Lin Chen much.

Enjoying the scenery along the way, we weren't in a hurry at all.

That morning, Lin Chen got up feeling refreshed.

Xiao Yulou was still fast asleep, her face flushed with satisfaction.

He quietly dressed and went out, where Yuan Tiangang was already waiting in the courtyard.

"My lord, Zhang Qing has arrived."

"Oh?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow. "Let him in."

Before long, a lean man walked into the courtyard. He was none other than Zhang Qing, the fifth of the Eight Vajras, also known as "Cloud Piercing Arrow".

He knelt on one knee: "Your subordinate Zhang Qing greets Your Majesty!"

"Get up and speak." Lin Chen sat down on the stone bench. "Tell me more about the situation of the Canal Gang."

Zhang Qing rose and respectfully reported:

"Hong Tianba, the leader of the Caobang Gang, is a late-stage Grandmaster who cultivates the 'Overlord of the River Technique' and is skilled in using a pair of water-splitting daggers."

He has four grandmaster elders under his command: "River-Turning Dragon" Li Hun, "Wave-River Shark" Sun Meng, "River-Mixing Dragon" Zhao Kuo, and "River-Crossing Carp" Zhou Xun.

The twelve hall masters command six thousand followers and control thirty percent of the grain transport in Jiangnan.

"What's the background?"

"Hong Tianba colluded with Zhou Ming, the Vice Minister of Revenue, and split 30% of the profits."

Zhang Qing paused for a moment,

"In addition, the relationship between the Cao Gang and various martial arts factions in Jiangnan is intricate and complex."

For his birthday banquet, Hong Tianba invited members of the Azure Dragon Gate, White Tiger Gate, Vermilion Bird Gate, and Black Tortoise Gate, as well as several prominent families from Jiangnan.

Lin Chen pondered, "They're trying to use the birthday banquet to solidify relationships and boost their influence."

"Exactly," Zhang Qing said.

"I have obtained several invitations; Your Majesty can go disguised as a merchant."

"Very good." Lin Chen nodded. "Where will the birthday banquet be held?"

"Three days later, at Juyi Manor in Suzhou."

Lin Chen calculated the itinerary:

"Let's hurry on our way. We should be able to reach Suzhou in two days. You go back and keep an eye on things. Report back immediately if anything comes up."

"Yes!" Zhang Qing bowed and took his leave.

Yuan Tiangang stepped forward:

"My lord, this journey may not be peaceful. The canal gang has been operating in Jiangnan for many years and has many informants."

With so many of us entering the city, it's hard not to attract attention.

"Then let's split up." Lin Chen had already planned this.

"The Seven Great Vajras, with their iron cavalry, temporarily camp outside the city, and be careful to remain hidden."

The three of us will travel light and simply. As for our identities…

He smiled:

"Just say he's a wealthy young master from the capital, traveling with his wife to enjoy the scenery and, incidentally...do some business."

Yuan Tiangang understood: "I will arrange it immediately."

As the two were talking, Xiao Yulou pushed open the door and came out.

She had washed and dressed neatly, and was now wearing a bright yellow outfit, looking radiant.

"Eighth Brother, when shall we depart today?"

"I'll be leaving in a bit," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Fourth Sister-in-law, have you rested well?"

Xiao Yulou blushed and glared at him: "None of your business!"

She had no idea how Lin Chen could have so many wonderful ideas, which even her outgoing personality couldn't handle.

After breakfast, the convoy set off again.

According to the plan, the Seven Great Warriors led three hundred riders ahead.

Lin Chen, Xiao Yulou, and Yuan Tiangang followed.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Yulou asked curiously:

"Eighth Brother, are we really going to pretend to be merchants?"

"Yes." Lin Chen leaned lazily on her shoulder. "Fourth Sister-in-law, just think of it as accompanying me on a sightseeing trip, and while we're at it... watch a show."

"What show are you watching?"

"It'll be a good show." Lin Chen smiled mysteriously. "This scene in Jiangnan is sure to be spectacular."

Over the next two days, the convoy sped up its journey.

As always, Lin Chen would try the local delicacies and enjoy the local scenery wherever he went.

Xiao Yulou accompanied him, and they were in high spirits.

Two days later, Suzhou City came into view.

The city walls stand tall, and merchants and travelers come and go in an endless stream in front of the city gates.

The prosperity of Jiangnan is evident from this.

Lin Chen's carriage stopped in front of the city gate.

The soldiers guarding the city stepped forward to inspect the documents. Upon seeing the travel permit handed to them by Yuan Tiangang, their expressions changed, and they quickly bowed in respect.

"We were unaware of your arrival, and have been very unwelcoming! Please come into the city!"

The carriage slowly entered the city.

Suzhou is crisscrossed by waterways, with small bridges, flowing streams, white walls, and black tiles, creating a unique charm.

Xiao Yulou lifted the carriage curtain, her eyes glued to the view: "So beautiful..."

"You like it?" Lin Chen smiled. "After we finish our business, let's play for a few more days."

The carriage stopped at the inn that Zhang Qing had arranged.

This is a secluded inn by the river, with a quiet and unassuming environment.

After settling in, Yuan Tiangang reported:

"My lord, three hundred Great Snow Dragon Riders have already encamped outside the city, and the Eight Vajra Warriors have settled in various locations within the city. Zhang Qing is waiting for you at the inn."

"Let him come."

A moment later, Zhang Qing entered the room and handed over a stack of invitations:

"My lord, this is the invitation we obtained. You can pretend to be the young master of the 'Lin Family Trading Company' in the capital and attend the banquet with your wife."

Lin Chen took the invitation and looked at it. It was exquisitely made and bore the mark of the Canal Gang.

"Have you arranged all the identities and backgrounds?"

"It's all arranged," Zhang Qing said.

"The Lin Family Trading Company is a newly emerging business in the capital, mainly dealing in silk and tea, and has dealings with various families in Jiangnan. This identity will not arouse suspicion."

"Very good." Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction. "Is the birthday banquet tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow at noon, gather at the Righteousness Manor."

Lin Chen looked at Xiao Yulou: "Fourth Sister-in-law, I'll take you to a banquet tomorrow."

Xiao Yulou's eyes lit up: "Can we make a move?"

"We'll see," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"But Fourth Sister-in-law can dress up nicely and let those gangsters see what a real beauty is."

Xiao Yulou blushed: "You're so glib!"

After discussing the details, Zhang Qing took his leave.

In the evening, Lin Chen took Xiao Yulou for a stroll in Suzhou.

As dusk settles, lanterns are hung along both banks of the river, and pleasure boats ply the waters with the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments.

The night view of Jiangnan is indeed enchanting.

The two strolled along the riverbank, and Xiao Yulou, unusually revealing her girlish side, pointed to various snacks, wanting to try them.

Lin Chen smiled and bought it for her. Seeing her eat happily, he felt pleased as well.

"Eighth Brother, Jiangnan is truly wonderful," Xiao Yulou mumbled, biting into a candied hawthorn.

"Shall we come here often in the future?"

"Okay." Lin Chen took her hand. "Once everything is settled, I'll take the seven of you to see all the beautiful scenery in the world."

Xiao Yulou felt a warmth in her heart and leaned on his shoulder: "You keep your word."

"certainly."

As night deepened, the two returned to the inn.

The room was warm with candlelight.

Xiao Yulou gently helped Lin Chen undress.

"Why is Fourth Sister-in-law being so well-behaved today?" Lin Chen asked with a smile.

Xiao Yulou looked up at him, her eyes filled with tender affection:

"Because... I like days like this. Being with you, traveling and enjoying nature, carefree."

Touched, Lin Chen lowered his head and kissed her: "It will always be like this from now on."

That night, the moonlight in Suzhou was exceptionally gentle and compliant.