After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 28 How could a weak woman like her possess such great abilities?

Lin Zhenxuan placed his hands on Lin Xiaoqian's shoulders, pulling her slightly away. His gaze swept anxiously across her face, carefully examining her. Only after confirming that his daughter had no obvious external injuries did he breathe a sigh of relief. He still held Lin Xiaoqian's arm tightly, his voice trembling with anxiety as he asked, "Qianqian, where have you been these past few days? What happened? Why are you only coming back now? Do you know that I haven't been able to eat or sleep properly these past few days, fearing that something bad might have happened to you?"

Lin Xiaoqian raised her head and began to speak slowly and deliberately: "Father, when I was kidnapped by bandits and taken to their lair, I was initially filled with fear and despair. But I knew that crying and waiting for rescue were not good solutions. Only by taking initiative could I have a chance to escape. So, I carefully observed the bandits in their lair and discovered that although they acted recklessly, they also had a kind and simple side. After talking with them and gradually gaining their trust, I learned that the floods in Jiangnan were intricately linked to their survival difficulties."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "My daughter explained the pros and cons to them, suggesting that if they could help control the flood, they could not only resolve their hatred with the government, but also bring lasting peace to themselves and the local people. The bandit leader was persuaded by my daughter, and that's when he gathered his brothers to join her in investigating the root cause of the flood. In the process, we encountered many difficulties and dangers, but fortunately, with the Ninth Prince and everyone working together, we successfully controlled the flood, and my daughter was able to return safely."

Lin Zhenxuan listened, feeling both proud of his daughter's intelligence and courage, and heartbroken for the danger she had faced. He gently stroked Lin Xiaoqian's hair and said, "Qianqian, what you did was truly beyond the capabilities of an ordinary woman. But the dangers involved are terrifying even to think about. Never take such risks again. What would I do if something happened to you?"

Lin Xiaoqian nodded and smiled slightly: "Father, I understand. Although this experience was fraught with danger, I have also learned a great deal. I understand your concerns, and I will be more cautious in my actions in the future so that I will not cause you such worry again." Her smile carried a sense of composure and calmness that came with weathering the storm, and her eyes had become even more resolute.

Looking at his daughter, Lin Zhenxuan felt a mix of emotions. He was gratified by her growth and maturity, yet also saddened by the capriciousness of fate, which had caused such a frail woman to endure so much suffering. "Alright, it's good that you're back. You should go back to your room and rest well. We can talk about anything else another day."

"Thank you, Father." Lin Xiaoqian bowed again, and then, accompanied by Xiaodie, slowly walked towards her room.

Along the way, as she looked at the familiar courtyard scenery, a strong sense of belonging welled up in her heart. At the same time, she knew that after this incident, the situation of herself, the Prime Minister's Mansion, and even the entire capital had undergone subtle changes, and she still needed to walk firmly on the road ahead.

When Aunt Liu and Lin Yueyue saw that Lin Qianqian had returned unharmed and was even working with the bandits to control the flood, they were immediately consumed by jealousy.

Lin Yueyue bit her lower lip, her face terribly gloomy. She glared fiercely at Lin Qianqian's departing figure, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists, her jealousy growing wildly like weeds in her heart. "How could she be so lucky? Kidnapped by bandits and still able to return safely, even gaining fame from this mess, she really got off easy!"

Aunt Liu secretly pondered and became suspicious, muttering to herself, "This wretched woman, can she really quell the mountain bandits and control the floods? Could there be something fishy going on here?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yueyue's eyes lit up, as if she had seized some leverage. She began to go on and on, constantly accusing Lin Xiaoqian, "Mother, could it be that she has already been... you know, and is colluding with the bandits, which is why she lied about controlling the floods? Maybe she has been secretly colluding with the bandits for a long time, and this kidnapping was a play she directed and acted out herself, just to attract attention and gain fame, so as to consolidate her position in the Prime Minister's mansion and by the side of the Ninth Prince."

Aunt Liu frowned slightly. Although she felt that Lin Yueyue's words were a bit too extreme, she followed her train of thought and said, "There are indeed suspicious points in this matter. How could a young lady from a secluded family have the ability to deal with mountain bandits and make them obediently do flood control? If what you say is true, her behavior is a disgrace to the Prime Minister's mansion. If word gets out, let's see how she can stand in this mansion. But we have no evidence, so we must not speak recklessly. We need to keep an eye on things secretly and find solid evidence."

Lin Yueyue nodded repeatedly, "Mother is right. I will definitely keep a close eye on her and make her show her true colors, and pull her down from this high position." After saying that, a sinister smile appeared on her face, as if she could already see Lin Qianqian's miserable state of disgrace.