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

Chapter 166 The eldest princess wants to marry, fine!

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the Empress took the opportunity to smooth things over, saying:

"The matter of marriage can be discussed at length. Prince Zhenbei has had a long journey, so please return to the city to rest first. Tonight, I will host a banquet in the palace to celebrate your victory."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lin Chen cupped his hands in thanks, then naturally turned to Princess Zhao Mingyue.

"Your Highness, it's been so long! You're even more beautiful than before."

Zhao Mingyue's gaze was complex, but she smiled gently:

"Your Highness is too kind. It is Your Highness who, after this battle, has become renowned throughout the land."

"A hollow reputation, all hollow reputations." Lin Chen leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"However, the princess looks really good in her clothes today, which makes her skin look even whiter."

Zhao Mingyue's cheeks flushed slightly, but she said gracefully:

"Your Highness is still so eloquent."

The Empress watched from the side, her eyes filled with a meaningful gaze.

At this moment, Lan Fenghuang stepped out of the convoy and approached Murong Xue:

"Sister Xue'er, it's been a long time."

Murong Xue looked delighted: "Sister Lan! What brings you here?"

"I heard you married a hero, so I came to see you," Lan Fenghuang said with a smile.

He then bowed to Liu Ruyan and the other women, saying, "Lan Fenghuang of Nanzhao greets Your Majesty and your ladies."

Liu Ruyan and the other women also politely returned the greetings.

The Empress glanced at Lan Fenghuang, her eyes flickering slightly.

"So the Holy Maiden of Nanzhao is here too. In that case, let the Holy Maiden come to the palace banquet tonight as well."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lan Fenghuang bowed gracefully.

After exchanging greetings, the group began their return journey to the city.

Lin Chen did not ride in a carriage, but instead rode a horse alongside the Empress's imperial carriage.

Qin Shuyan and her two companions boarded a more spacious carriage and rode with Liu Ruyan and her friends, chattering incessantly along the way.

"Third Sister, is the war in the North dangerous?" Liu Ruyan asked, holding Qin Shuyan's hand.

Qin Shuyan said softly, "It was dangerous, but Eighth Brother commanded with composure. It was the rest of us who held us back."

Ye Qingying said softly, "The battlefield... is indeed cruel."

The women remained silent for a moment.

Su Xiaoxiao teased Lin Nian'er while speaking softly:

"It's good that you're back safe and sound. Everything is fine at home. My sister-in-law's pregnancy is stable, my grandmother and mother are in good health, and Mr. Hua comes to check on her pulse every day..."

……

On the other hand, Lin Chen's conversation with the Empress was much more serious.

At least on the surface.

"After this battle, the Northern Shuo will be unable to invade the south for at least ten years," Lin Chen reported.

"I have already arranged for Zhao Zilong and the Eight Vajra Warriors to guard the northern border, and there should be no chance of failure."

The Empress smiled and nodded: "The Prince of Zhenbei has made thoughtful arrangements, but... I've heard that a terrestrial immortal from Zhongzhou is involved in this battle?"

"The Netherworld Sect has sent three terrestrial immortals." Lin Chen nodded slightly.

"Two died and one escaped. Your Majesty, rest assured, they will not dare to come again in the near future."

The Empress's pupils contracted slightly. Although she had received the intelligence beforehand, she was still shocked to hear Lin Chen say it in person.

Of the three terrestrial immortals, two died and one escaped...

This power has far exceeded the control of the imperial court.

She was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Prince Zhenbei, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"My elder sister, Mingyue." The Empress looked at Lin Chen.

"She... has quite a good impression of you, and now that she is free, I wish to find her a good marriage. What does Your Highness think?"

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow and looked at Zhao Mingyue beside him.

Zhao Mingyue's cheeks flushed, but she still maintained a dignified demeanor.

"Your Highness the Eldest Princess is gentle, virtuous, and possesses both beauty and talent; naturally, I admire her," Lin Chen chuckled.

"However... I already have many wives in my household, and I'm afraid it would be unfair to the Princess."

"What if Your Majesty doesn't mind?" the Empress pressed.

Lin Chen stroked his chin and chuckled, "The Princess is eight years older than me, isn't she?"

The Empress was taken aback: "Are you saying my elder sister is too old?"

"No, that's not it." Lin Chen grinned. "Bigger is better. Bigger people are more caring. I like bigger ones."

As he said this, his eyes naturally glanced at Zhao Mingyue's chest.

Zhao Mingyue's face flushed even more, and she spat lightly, "Lin Chen!"

The Empress was somewhat helpless; this Lin Chen could only manage three serious sentences.

"So you mean..." The Empress coughed lightly, bringing the topic back on track.

"If the Princess is willing, I will naturally welcome it." Lin Chen became more serious.

"However, there are some things I need to say upfront: once you enter the Lin family, you are a member of the Lin family."

All royal status and princess airs must be put away.

The rule of my Lin family is that wives and concubines must live in harmony and not be jealous of each other. If someone can do this, I will marry them.

This was said very bluntly, even somewhat rudely.

But Zhao Mingyue nodded gently:

"Rest assured, Prince Zhenbei, Mingyue understands these principles."

She looked at Lin Chen, her eyes filled with seriousness.

"To be honest, Your Highness, Mingyue does indeed have feelings for you. Although Your Highness may seem unrestrained, you are actually loyal, righteous, and responsible. Mingyue... is willing!"

Although she was a virgin, had been married before, and was not young, she naturally had no shame.

Moreover, a marriage alliance with Lin Chen would benefit the royal family.

As a member of the royal family and the Empress's elder sister, she should fulfill her responsibilities.

Lin Chen smiled and narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, "Then it's settled. I'll choose an auspicious day and send someone to propose marriage."

The Empress breathed a sigh of relief, finally settling her elder sister's marriage.

Arranging a marriage with Lin Chen would both win him over and appease him, and also allow the Empress to get what she wanted—a win-win situation.

When the procession was three miles outside the city gate, Lin Chen suddenly raised his hand:

"Wait a minute."

Everyone looked at him.

Lin Chen instructed Taiyi:

"Order the Great Snow Dragon Riders to set up camp and rest at the Lin Family Manor in the west of the city. They are not to move without my order."

"yes!"

Led by their commander, the thousand Great Snow Dragon Riders turned westward.

Upon seeing this, a hint of admiration flashed in the Empress's eyes.

Lin Chen was deliberately avoiding suspicion; if a thousand cavalrymen of the first rank or above entered the city, the Imperial City Guard would likely be restless.

Wen Tianli and the other two exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief.

They were actually feeling uneasy while "monitoring" them all the way.

If things really turn sour, none of the three of them would be a match for Lin Chen's one-handed attack.

Not to mention, there's also Li Bai, the celestial being of the land, by his side!

The procession continued onward and finally arrived at the south gate of the capital.

The city gates were opened wide, and the people spontaneously lined the streets to welcome them.

"The Prince of Zhenbei! The Prince of Zhenbei!"

"Long live the Prince!"

The cheers were deafening.

Lin Chen was riding a horse.

He waved and laughed at the people, throwing out silver and gold, which caused a scramble.

"Your Highness is benevolent and righteous!"

"Thank you for the reward, Your Highness!"

The Empress was filled with emotion as she watched this scene.

Lin Chen certainly knows how to win people over.

But she didn't care.

As long as Lin Chen doesn't rebel, let him deal with these trivial matters.

After entering the city, the officials returned to their respective residences.

As the Empress's imperial carriage returned to the palace, before departing, she said:

"A banquet will be held in the palace tonight at dusk. Prince Zhenbei, do not be late."

"I obey your decree."

Lin Chen led his entire family in a grand procession toward the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.