“Mother, I’ll take Xiao Hao back to rest first.”

Lin Yuxin was actually exhausted.

Her emotions today had been like a roller coaster.

“Mm, go ahead!”

After Lin Yuxin left with Xiao Hao, Zhao Hanya’s expression immediately darkened.

She looked at her three sons with a serious and slightly disdainful tone:

“You three are really useless. You still need your sister to plan for you. Now that you know the whole story, solve this matter yourselves. Don’t bother Yuxin. She is destined for great things. If you can’t be her support, at least don’t drag her down. Do you hear me?”

She was not just a typical noblewoman.

In her youth, she had followed her father onto the battlefield and had seen firsthand the devastation that war brought upon common people.

That’s why she understood how important her daughter’s mission was.

A wise ruler must be nurtured over time.

Besides, she had heard from her father that their family’s older generation and younger members were all taking the strengthening medicine that Yuxin had made.

They had also been following her designed training regimen, and after more than a month, they had already shown noticeable improvement.

Second Brother’s health was beginning to recover—just a few days ago, he had already started rehabilitation training.

Third Brother was also much better; he no longer had frequent asthma attacks and could even run for an hour without trouble.

The younger boys had also grown stronger.

Zhao Hanya had already guessed what Yuxin was planning.

Moreover, the Emperor valued her daughter greatly, and in the future, he would surely entrust her with even more responsibilities. As her family, they could not become her burden.

“Mother, rest assured. We understand!”

The three brothers lowered their heads and answered seriously.

They knew very well that their sister’s capabilities were far beyond what they had seen. As her elder brothers, they would not become a burden to her.

“Good. Also, remember to take the medicinal baths that Yuxin prescribed! Alright, go back now!”

After reminding them, Zhao Hanya waved them away.

Once the three of them left, she returned to her own courtyard. Sitting in her chair deep in thought for a while, she finally got up, walked to the desk, and picked up a brush to write swiftly.

Fifteen minutes later, she put down the brush and softly called out:

“Lei Ying!”

“Master!”

A lean figure appeared before Zhao Hanya and respectfully responded.

“Take this to my father!”

Zhao Hanya folded the letter and handed it over.

“Understood!”

Lei Ying accepted the letter, replied briefly, and disappeared.

…

Lin Yuxin returned to her courtyard but did not sleep.

She would be leaving soon, and there was still so much to do.

After coaxing Xiao Hao to sleep, she called for Xue Ying.

“Your injuries should be nearly healed. In three days, we will depart. You will be responsible for Xiao Hao’s safety.”

“What about you, Miss?”

Xue Ying asked with confusion.

He had been sent by Madam to protect Lin Yuxin, so why was he being assigned to guard a stranger?

“I have someone to protect me. You don’t need to worry.”

Lin Yuxin wasn’t concerned. If Li Xiaozhen couldn’t even protect her, she might as well consider liking someone else instead.

“Understood!”

Xue Ying suppressed his doubts and obeyed.

Shadow Guards only followed orders.

“Alright, you may leave.”

After dismissing him, Lin Yuxin didn’t call for Xiaodie to attend to her.

She shut the door and instantly disappeared into her personal space.

She had to make a large quantity of medicine, write a project proposal—she had promised her Second Brother she would draft one—and refine beauty pills.

She also had to design clothing.

Like this, Lin Yuxin remained busy in her space until evening.

She prepared many medicines: some for strengthening her grandfather’s health, others for stopping bleeding, reducing inflammation, detoxifying poisons, and more, just in case.

…

Early the next morning, Xiaodie came calling.

“Miss, wake up! Someone from the palace is here!”

Hearing the commotion, Lin Yuxin quickly stopped what she was doing and exited her space.

“Come in.”

She called out to the door.

Xiaodie entered with a basin of water.

Seeing that her mistress was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, she felt puzzled but said nothing, quickly assisting her in washing up.

After freshening up and changing into a clean outfit, Lin Yuxin headed to the front hall.

By the time she arrived, Eunuch Liu was already waiting there.

Her mother, along with her eldest, second, and third brothers, were also present.

Was she the only one running late?

“Eunuch Liu, I apologize for the wait!”

Lin Yuxin greeted him with an embarrassed smile.

“Your Highness, you are too kind. Please receive the imperial decree.”

Eunuch Liu smiled.

This young lady was highly favored by the Emperor, so he dared not offend her.

Waiting a while was no big deal.

“I humbly receive the decree!”

Lin Yuxin knelt respectfully.

[Ugh, this awful society! Why do I have to kneel all the time? Eunuch Liu, you better hurry up. If my knees start hurting, I might just complain to the Emperor about you!]

She muttered inwardly.

Zhao Hanya and the three brothers also knelt, though if one looked closely, their lips were twitching.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, His Majesty decrees: Lin Yuxin, daughter of the Lin family, is virtuous and diligent, gentle and pure, and possesses great wisdom and talent. She is hereby granted the title of Princess Pingning and appointed as an imperial envoy. She shall travel to Jibei City to resolve the drought in the northern region. A Sword of Authority is bestowed upon her, granting the power to execute corrupt officials at will. This is His Majesty’s decree!”

Eunuch Liu’s tone turned solemn as he read the decree aloud.

“We humbly accept the decree!”

This time, Lin Yuxin bowed sincerely, then took the decree and stood up.

Zhao Hanya, being perceptive, had a servant discreetly slip a pouch of money into Eunuch Liu’s hands.

“Eunuch Liu, thank you for making the trip.”

She smiled warmly.

“Haha, Lady Lin, you are too polite. This is simply my duty. Your Highness, since the decree has been delivered, I shall return to the palace to report.”

Though Eunuch Liu’s words were polite, his hands moved smoothly, accepting the pouch, giving it a little squeeze, and tucking it into his sleeve with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Eunuch Liu. Safe travels.”

Lin Yuxin maintained her composed demeanor as she saw him off.

Although Eunuch Liu was a eunuch, he was also someone close to the Emperor. It was always good to maintain a good relationship—one never knew when they might need someone to speak on their behalf.

After everyone sent Eunuch Liu away, they respectfully placed the decree in the main hall for safekeeping and then returned to their own affairs.

Her three brothers went back to their work, and her mother had to review the household accounts and manage her dowry businesses.

Lin Yuxin returned to her courtyard, called for Xiaodie, and left the estate.

Her first destination was the General’s Manor.

“Grandfather, how have you been feeling these past two days? Are you still coughing badly?”

As she spoke, she reached out to check his pulse.

“I’m barely coughing now. I’ve been taking your medicine for a month, and I’m almost completely healed.”

Zhao Shijie replied nonchalantly.

He knew his own body best—these days, he hardly coughed at all.

He even trained with the younger soldiers in the practice grounds for hours without issue.

“Yes, you’re much better. In half a month, you can stop taking the medicine.”

Lin Yuxin nodded, withdrawing her hand.

“Hehe, my precious granddaughter is truly amazing!”

Zhao Shijie beamed proudly.

Having such a capable granddaughter was a blessing.

“Grandfather, stop bragging. I’m going to check on Second Uncle.”

Lin Yuxin chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed at his praise.

She quickly got up and left.