The night was like a heavy curtain, slowly lowering towards the horizon. In the silence, only torches were swaying gently in the breeze, like unyielding dancers in the darkness, leading a silent overture.

Swords flashed like weaving threads, and under the cover of night, a secret contest concerning the lifeblood of the capital was quietly beginning.

Soon, the rebels' vanguard came like a tide in the dark night, surging in with unparalleled arrogance.

Qi Qiyuan, a warrior who had experienced many battles, remained calm, stepped forward resolutely, and stood like a rock at the forefront of the tide, and engaged in a desperate battle with the rebels.

He had a nimble figure and sharp swordsmanship, and every time he swung his sword, it was accompanied by the sound of wind and thunder and carried a terrifying power. The rebel soldiers could not even get close to him.

However, the rebels were numerous and well-equipped, and they came in wave after wave like the tide. Even a brave man like Qi Qiyuan gradually felt overwhelmed. His clothes were soaked with sweat, but there was no sign of retreat on his face.

Just when the battle situation was at a stalemate and the atmosphere was extremely tense, a strange light suddenly appeared in the sky, and the reinforcements led by Qin Suling rushed into the battlefield at the right time like divine soldiers descended from the sky.

They were dressed in armor, holding sharp blades, with unyielding and loyal eyes, and they instantly turned the tide of the war. After a thrilling battle, the rebels were finally defeated and fled in all directions, and the capital was once again gently embraced by the quiet night.

However, the joy of victory did not stay in Qi Qiyuan and Qin Suling's hearts for too long. They knew very well that this was just the calm before the storm.

The two men stood side by side on the high wall of the mansion, gazing at the dimly lit imperial city in the distance, with both worry and determination in their hearts.

In the darkness of night, their shadows were stretched out, as if they were silhouettes fighting against this chaotic world. They vowed to uncover the mystery of the jade pendant of Northern Yan State, find out the culprit behind the scenes, and restore order to the capital.

A few days later, in the early morning, as the dawn broke, the golden sunlight gently sprinkled on the earth, covering the world with a layer of soft glow.

Jinxiu walked in the fragmented and soft sunlight, with a faint but firm smile on her lips, and set out on the road to handle government affairs.

Her steps were firm and powerful, and even during this long journey, she never hesitated or retreated.

At the same time, Qin Zhinan had just returned from the bustling market, with the smoke of the city and a trace of unspeakable confusion still lingering on his face.

Suddenly, he saw Qin Suling, who was ready to go, and asked in surprise: "Ling'er, where are you going? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Qin Suling turned around, her eyes flashing with determination and expectation. She said softly and firmly: "Brother, we are about to embark on the journey home, but this journey is not trivial. We need to face the coming storm."

Qin Zhinan frowned upon hearing this, his worry evident in his words: "This road is extremely dangerous, it is not something you and I can easily handle."

Qin Suling's heart tightened when he heard this, as if an ominous sign was quietly growing.

She tried to remain calm, her voice was soft but full of determination, "Don't worry, brother. I have my own plans. But has anything happened to the store at home?"

Before she could finish her words, her legs were already shaking slightly, revealing her inner panic and anxiety.

Seeing this, Jinxiu and Jinlan quickly exchanged a tacit look.

Jin Lan immediately stepped forward and firmly supported Qin Suling's body, which seemed like it could fall at any time.

Qin Zhinan sighed and explained with difficulty: "All the shops in my family met with unexpected events overnight. The government closed all the shops on the grounds of tax inspection. There must be something fishy going on!"

As soon as these words came out, the air around them seemed to freeze. Qin Suling looked around and saw that the front of his shop was deserted. The glaring seal was even more glaring in the morning light, forming a sharp contrast with the bustling and lively scene around him.

These scenes pierced her heart like a sharp knife, making her deeply feel the conspiracy and calculation behind it.

However, she did not give in, but instead strengthened her belief and determination - no matter how difficult the road ahead, she would fight side by side with Qi Qiyuan to face the greater storms and challenges that were about to come.

Qin Suling's tone was like drizzle brushing against lotus leaves in early summer, with a hint of imperceptible anxiety and uneasiness. She opened her red lips and said, "The tax status of other shops is now in turmoil. How can we keep our head steady in this vortex?"

As he spoke, there seemed to be thousands of thoughts surging in those autumn-water eyes.

"Ling'er, relax."

Qin Zhinan's voice was like a ray of warm sunshine in winter, steady and resolute. He gently patted his sister's shoulder and said, "I know the taxes of every store in our family like the back of my hand. I have carefully checked and ensured that every account is as clear as a mirror. The Qin family has been operating for generations, adhering to the principle of honesty and compliance with the law. The promises made to employees and the contributions to the national treasury are all kept without any error. This is the earnest teaching of my father when he was alive, and it is also the foundation of my Qin family's unshakable existence."

Qin Suling felt mixed emotions when he heard this, with gratitude and worry intertwined into an intricate web.

She knew very well that what her brother said was true and that the Qin family had always had a clean record, but the sudden tax crisis was like a dark cloud covering the sun, making it difficult for her to let it go.

Her brows were furrowed, and a barely perceptible doubt flashed in her eyes, as if she was wondering whether there were turbulent waves hidden beneath the calm surface of the water.

"Brother, the person who is currently in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, could it be Zhang Xian, who is known as 'Imperial and Impartial'?"

Qin Suling tried hard to make her voice sound calm and powerful, trying to find a bit of composure in this anxiety.

"It's this person." Qin Zhinan responded briefly, with an imperceptible solemnity in his tone.

"Zhang Xian..." Qin Suling whispered. This name was like a huge rock thrown into the lake of her heart, causing ripples.

She remembered that in the past, the taxation of the capital was controlled by Lord Wang with an iron fist. When did the control suddenly change?

What made her even more upset was that the new official not only did not bring any new atmosphere after taking office, but instead pointed the finger at the Qin family. How could the deep meaning behind this not make her think deeply?

In her mind, pictures flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscope of colors, and the Fourth Prince's face with his hypocritical smile was particularly clear.

As a prince, although he holds a high position and has great power, he often has to scheme everywhere due to lack of funds. His coveting of the Qin family's wealth has long been an open secret to everyone.

Qin Suling sighed inwardly. Although she had rejected his offer many times, the current situation made her wonder if all this was revenge from that person? Was it a plot he had carefully set up?

"Brother, when did the Ministry of Revenue start this action?"

There was a hint of coldness in Qin Suling's voice, which was an instinctive alertness to unknown threats.

"Two hours ago, officials from the Ministry of Revenue suddenly arrived, like a violent storm. Before we could prepare, they launched their actions with lightning speed."

Qin Zhinan's answer made Qin Suling's heart sink to the bottom.

Two hours ago...

Qin Suling's thoughts were racing. At that moment, the Fourth Prince happened to be sipping tea in the market. This subtle coincidence in time was sure to make people think a lot.

But on second thought, she felt that this might just be a coincidence and there might not be any close connection between them.

"Ling'er, don't worry."

Seeing this, Qin Zhinan hurriedly said to comfort him, "I have already gone to court today to make my Qin family's innocence known to the world. Every entry in our accounts can withstand the test of sunshine, and is not afraid of any dark scrutiny. At this moment, we only need to wait for the results of the Ministry of Revenue's verification, and they will give us justice."

Qin Suling smiled bitterly. Although her brother's words made sense, she had deeper thoughts in her mind.

"Brother, what you said makes sense, but there must be something fishy going on." Her eyes flashed with determination. "Although the accounts are complicated, our Qin family acts in an open and aboveboard manner, and we are naturally not afraid of any hidden arrows. However, just in case, we still need to ask someone to supervise and audit the accounts to prevent villains like Zhang Xian from cheating in secret."

Qin Zhinan looked embarrassed when he heard this. He knew very well that the situation in the capital was complicated. Although he wanted to help, he was unable to do so.

But Qin Suling had made up her mind. She interrupted her brother, her eyes flashing with unquestionable determination: "Brother, don't worry, my social network in the capital is not in vain. I will handle this matter properly."

After saying this, she turned around resolutely and walked towards the Jingzhao Yin Mansion with firm steps.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, that back figure appeared particularly firm and resolute.

In her heart, she has secretly vowed: no matter what kind of conspiracy and calculations are hidden behind this, she will expose them one by one, vowing to protect the dignity and peace of the Qin family and not let any evil spirits invade this pure land.

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