IDWBE -Chapter 474 Visiting One’s Family

Lin Yi patted his shoulder reassuringly. “This is just the early stage—only some signs, nothing serious. Eat plenty of fish and shrimp, eat lots of seaweed, and the rest… well, leave it to luck.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Prince.”

Hearing Lin Yi’s words, Jiao Zhong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!

Luck? His luck had never been good!

Otherwise, as one of the longest-serving members of the He Mansion, how was it that he was only a Guard Commander now?

Look at Chen Xinluo, Shen Chu, Bao Kui, Pang Long—each of them dominated their own regions.

Take Chen Xinluo, who had just entered Ankang City: newly in charge of the capital’s security, and his name alone could stop a child from crying at night!

Jiao Zhong’s position as Guard Commander was impressive, but compared to them, it was insignificant.

Lin Yi continued, “Enough, stop looking so miserable. If you really feel unwell, rest at home for a while. When you’re ready, come back for duty.”

“Rest assured, Prince, I am unharmed,” Jiao Zhong immediately straightened, raising his head. “I will perform my duties to the fullest and dare not delay any of Your Highness’s important matters!”

Although his rank as Guard Commander didn’t match Chen Xinluo and the others, that didn’t mean he was dissatisfied!

If he followed the Prince’s advice to rest at home, his position would be vacant?

Impossible!

Whether it was Lord He Jixiang or Lord Chen Desheng, someone would be appointed before Chief Hong returned.

He couldn’t afford to lose this position!

So, until another arrangement was confirmed, he would never give up his role as Guard Commander of the He Mansion.

“Good, as long as you understand,” Lin Yi sat down after the servants arranged the meal, sipped some tea, and took small bites of the piping hot fried dough sticks. While eating, he said, “You’re all men of valor, flying here and there, martial skills far above others, and your bodies much stronger. A minor ailment like this is nothing to worry about.”

“Your praise is too kind, Prince.” Jiao Zhong let out a long breath.

Lin Yi continued, “I heard that Xue Dawu has been showing off quite a bit?”

Jiao Zhong hesitated. “Since gaining the title of the ‘Number One Martial Scholar in the World,’ Xue Dawu riding through the streets is indeed imposing.”

He wouldn’t say more!

After all, it involved Madam Xue and Consort Yuan!

Even if Madame Yuan or Madam Xue knew he was gossiping before the Prince, what could they do?

No matter what, he was still the Prince’s Guard Commander. To mess with him, it would require the intervention of He Jixiang or Chief Hong.

His main concern was the Prince’s attitude!

What if he said too much and angered the Prince? After all, these were the Prince’s own maternal grandfather and mother!

Until he fully understood the Prince’s intentions, it was safer to remain cautious.

“Among the crowd, her glance alone captivates; worldly beauty fades like dust,” Lin Yi swayed his head dramatically. “If Xue Yiner earns such praise from Lord Xie Zan, she must truly be a national beauty.”

“Prince is correct.”

For a moment, Jiao Zhong couldn’t grasp the meaning behind the Prince’s words.

Hadn’t the Prince already seen Xue Yiner?

He was awestruck then—why praise her through Xie Zan?

He couldn’t figure it out!

Could it be that the Prince had some thoughts about Xue Yiner?

But that seemed unlikely—if so, neither the Sixth Prince nor the Twelfth Prince would have needed him to intervene; she would have been delivered directly.

“What a pity,” Lin Yi sighed helplessly.

Any woman he favored would somehow be related to him!

Xue Yiner was one case; Yuan Zijun, his cousin from the Yuan family, was another.

He didn’t care about close relatives—having cousins wasn’t unusual. The world accepted it. His concern was inbreeding: hidden harmful genes could produce a foolish child.

From a eugenics perspective, crossbreeding was better.

Early maturity, high yield, and excellent quality!

“Prince,” Jiao Zhong scratched his head, still unable to figure out what exactly the Prince meant by “pity.”

Suddenly, a thought struck him: could the Prince intend harm for Xue Yiner?

Not impossible…

But should he respond?

No!

After all, she was related to Consort Yuan!

He wasn’t afraid of Consort Yuan, but he couldn’t offend her without reason.

All the servants in this room were personally selected by him, and importantly, vetted by Qi Peng and Pan Duo.

He trusted them completely—they wouldn’t betray the Prince or gossip to Consort Yuan!

Still, one could never be too careful.

Better safe than sorry.

“Xianyu Tower, right?”

Lin Yi suddenly asked.

“Yes,” Jiao Zhong quickly replied. “Xue Yiner is still the top courtesan there.”

“Xianyu Tower, Xinghua Tower… every red-light district gets tangled with politics. Anyone ignorant might think they’re plotting rebellion,” Lin Yi recalled Xinghua Tower’s connection to Qi Yong. “Lawless.”

Jiao Zhong said solemnly, “Prince, if you command it, I can take men and burn it to the ground.”

“No, no,” Lin Yi shook his head. “It’s the New Year—killing and burning isn’t environmentally friendly, harmonious, or aligned with my people-oriented policy. Let them run around for a bit; see if they tire and calm down.”

Jiao Zhong hesitated. “Prince, you are merciful, but these people are getting bolder—openly buying daughters of poor families outside the city, breaking Liang law. They should be punished as a warning.”

He was trying to give the Prince an excuse!

If the Prince approved, he could wipe out Xianyu Tower immediately.

“You’re too hasty,” Lin Yi chewed the last of his fried dough stick and sipped tea. “I don’t care about others’ faces, but I will respect the Empress’s family a bit.”

He had already killed Xue Tongji, Madam Xue’s nephew!

Killing Xue Dawu and Xue Yiner, who made their living from performing, would only embarrass Madam Xue and his own mother.

His mother could be thoughtless, but as her son, he couldn’t be unprincipled.

“Understood,” Jiao Zhong said nothing more.

Lin Yi pointed at the taro in the center of the table. After the servants placed it in bowls, he dipped it in white sugar. “Find Mingyue’s brother quickly. In a few days, accompany her to visit her family.”

Jiao Zhong seemed to understand. He didn’t dare look at Mingyue again, lowering his head. “Rest assured, Prince. That brother, Chen Dahu, is in the south of the city, renting a room in a large compound. Only street ruffians come and go. I’ll help him find a better place so that no idle person can harass Miss Mingyue.”

Mingyue covered her mouth, laughing. “Commander Jiao, do you think this ninth-rank officer of mine is made of paper?”