Simultaneous Transmigration: The Re-merging of 99 Selves

Chapter 83 Another Time Travel

Zhao Yu looked at Lin Chaoying's profile and said, "By the way, Sister Lin, it's been so many days, why haven't you moved into the palace yet? The palace is so big, you can wander around however you want, it's better than living outside."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chaoying, who was usually so capable and straightforward, blushed slightly and turned her head away somewhat awkwardly.

"How can I move in if I don't have a proper title and authority?"

"Oh dear, Miss," Lin Hongyu chuckled, covering her mouth. "The Emperor is urging you to become Empress, so don't be shy."

"You brat, what nonsense are you talking about!" Lin Chaoying was extremely embarrassed and slapped Lin Hongyu, the blush spreading all the way to her ears.

Looking at her shy appearance, Zhao Yu felt a warmth in his heart and tightened his grip on her hand: "Hongyu is right, the matter of title is easy to handle. I am currently lacking a virtuous and dignified empress, and Sister Lin is the perfect candidate. Once the court is stable for a while, I will issue an edict to marry Sister Lin as empress."

Lin Chaoying lowered her head and remained silent.

However, the way she held Zhao Yu's hand already showed her attitude.

Just then, a palace attendant announced from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Scholar Huang requests an audience."

"Looks like you've got something on your mind again." Lin Chaoying withdrew her hand, very understanding. "You two talk about business, I'll go wait for you in the back."

Zhao Yu grabbed her hand instead: "Don't rush, this matter is also related to you, Sister Lin. It's a good opportunity to meet an old friend."

"An old friend?" Lin Chaoying asked, somewhat puzzled. "Where would I know any old friends who are officials?"

Before he finished speaking, Huang Yaoshi strode in, still with his usual unrestrained and arrogant demeanor.

Only upon seeing Zhao Yu did he bow slightly and offer a salute: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Given Huang Yaoshi's arrogance, the fact that he went this far already showed Zhao Yu tremendous respect.

After all, Zhao Yu, as the emperor, had repeatedly invited him, and Huang Yaoshi couldn't help but be moved.

Zhao Yu waved his hand: "Brother Huang, there's no need for such formalities. There are no outsiders here, so let's just follow the rules of the martial world."

Huang Yaoshi nodded, his gaze falling on Lin Chaoying, and gave a slight nod: "Heroine Lin."

"Brother Huang," Lin Chaoying returned the greeting with clasped hands, "you really have come."

Although she knew about Zhao Yu's plan long ago, Lin Chaoying was still surprised when she actually met Huang Yaoshi.

She simply couldn't imagine that the aloof and arrogant Huang Yaoshi would actually serve as an official in the imperial court and submit to Zhao Yu.

This is like the sun rising in the west.

Huang Yaoshi chuckled lightly: "Since the Emperor has so honored me with this invitation, I cannot refrain from doing so."

Lin Chaoying opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by Zhao Yu.

"Sister Lin, please don't be surprised. Brother Huang only condescended to come to court for the sake of all living beings." Zhao Yu looked at Huang Yaoshi and asked, "Is everything written down?"

"Um."

Huang Yaoshi nodded and took out a small booklet from his pocket: "All the disguise techniques I know are written in this book. With your and Lady Lin's aptitude, you will be able to learn them in no time."

Zhao Yu took the booklet and casually flipped through a few pages; it was indeed very detailed.

"Disguise techniques?" Lin Chaoying leaned closer for a look, even more puzzled. "Why would you learn this?"

I'll explain it to you later.

Zhao Yu put away the booklet and looked at Huang Yaoshi seriously, asking, "Brother Huang, how have things been going these past few days observing the government?"

When the topic of national affairs came up, Huang Yaoshi's relaxed expression gradually faded, and his demeanor became serious.

"The situation is dire. The national treasury is empty, taxes are numerous and complicated, official corruption is rampant, and the people are suffering. Most of the local treasuries are empty, yet officials' salaries remain generous. We are about to start preparing for war, and we need money for food, weapons, and military pay. I am now like a skilled cook without rice to cook."

Zhao Yu had anticipated this, and immediately brought up the confiscated property of Shi Miyuan.

After hearing the specific figures, Huang Yaoshi still shook his head: "It's just a drop in the ocean. At most, it can only last for a few months. If the Jurchens really march south, the national treasury will probably be empty. With such a tight budget, it's no wonder that those in the court are advocating for peace."

Zhao Yu nodded.

He had been mentally prepared for the financial situation of the Song Dynasty, but he never expected it to be this bad.

Fortunately, Zhao Yu still had a solution.

"Don't worry, I'll figure out how to solve the problem of money and supplies." Zhao Yu said confidently. "You first use Shi Miyuan's money to stabilize the morale of the army and reorganize the court affairs. I will definitely solve the problem of money and supplies within a few months."

Huang Yaoshi raised an eyebrow: "What can you do? The national treasury is empty and the people are suffering. We can't just increase taxes, can we? That would only force the people to revolt."

Zhao Yu smiled, but didn't elaborate: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. You'll find out in time."

Seeing that Zhao Yu refused to speak, Huang Yaoshi did not press the matter further.

Since he had said that, Huang Yaoshi believed that Zhao Yu was not someone who spoke carelessly, and that they would see the truth in time.

"In that case, I will await good news from the Emperor." Huang Yaoshi stood up, cupped his hands in farewell, and said, "Farewell."

Zhao Yu nodded and watched Huang Yaoshi leave.

Lin Chaoying then spoke up, puzzled, "What exactly are you going to do? Why do you want to learn the art of disguise?"

Zhao Yu took her hand, his expression serious: "Sister Lin, I need your help."

"You said I would definitely help you if I could do it," Lin Chaoying said without hesitation.

Zhao Yu said slowly, "I need you to learn the art of disguise as quickly as possible, then impersonate me and stay in the palace. I need to leave the palace to resolve the issue of money and provisions."

Lin Chaoying was startled: "How can this be? What if someone finds out?"

"Don't worry, it won't happen," Zhao Yu reassured him. "Huang Yaoshi is in charge of the outer court; he'll cover for you. The daily memorials are all handled by the cabinet. You just need to sit in court every day and say a few polite words. If there's anything you can't handle, just tell them to go to Huang Yaoshi."

He looked at Lin Chaoying with utmost sincerity: "I trust no one but you in this matter. Sister Lin, please."

Looking into his earnest eyes, Lin Chaoying's hesitation vanished instantly.

She replied earnestly, "Since you've asked, I'll agree. But you must be careful and come back soon."

"Don't worry." Zhao Yu smiled. "Don't you trust my martial arts skills? In this world, there are probably very few people who can hurt me."

Lin Chaoying gave a soft "hmm" and didn't say anything, but just held his hand tightly.

Looking at her gentle profile, Zhao Yu thought to himself, "In the martial arts world of the Song Dynasty, no one can hurt me. In the world of 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' it's even more impossible."

That's right, he plans to activate his cheat ability again and travel to the world of Swordsman.

During the Ming Dynasty, a large amount of silver flowed into China, and resources were abundant. Zhao Yu was trying to find a way to solve the problems of money and food there.

This Southern Song Dynasty was, after all, the place where Zhao Yu grew up again in his second life, so he couldn't act recklessly.

But in the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Yu, being all alone, had few concerns.

He had only one thought: to stop at nothing.