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The Forbidden City, the Qianqing Palace.
The Fourth Master sat at his desk, a secret letter clutched in his hand. In the candlelight, his face appeared exceptionally profound. The contents of the letter eased his brow and brought a slight smile to his lips.
"What a fine Lin Yun." He muttered to himself, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "She knows how to assess the situation and advance by retreating. She is indeed no ordinary woman."
He put down the secret letter and gently tapped the table with his hand.
A moment later, a guard in black appeared silently in the hall and knelt on one knee: "What are your orders, Master?"
Fourth Master said calmly, "Send more men to secretly protect Lin's Clothing Shop. If any petty scoundrels dare to cause trouble, show no mercy."
The guard bowed his head and accepted the order: "Yes!" But in his heart, a storm was brewing: "My master is so concerned about a small clothing shop?" But he dared not ask any more questions, and silently remembered his master's order, preparing to arrange manpower overnight.
Fourth Master seemed to see through his thoughts and chuckled lightly: "What, do you think it's making a mountain out of a molehill?"
The guard's heart tightened, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, you dare not! Your Majesty's plans are far-sighted and have their reasons."
Fourth Master waved his hand: "Go."
The guard bowed and withdrew from the hall, his forehead beaded with sweat.
He hurried through the corridor, still pondering, "This Lin family member is only good at making money, yet she's so highly regarded by the master?" He shook his head, not daring to think about it anymore, and simply quickened his pace.
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In the stillness of the night, Lin Yun sat alone in her room, writing and drawing on paper.
She is designing a new membership system, including membership levels, privileges, and corresponding service standards. The occasional chirping of insects outside the window makes the night even more tranquil.
Suddenly, a slight noise came from outside the window. Lin Yun paused, her pen still, and looked up alertly.
She tiptoed to the window and quietly lifted a corner of the curtain—the courtyard was empty, with only moonlight shining on the ground, casting a silvery white glow.
"Maybe I misheard." She shook her head and was about to turn around when she caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a dark shadow flashing by in the corner. Her heart jumped, but when she looked again, there was nothing there.
Lin Yun took a deep breath, closed the window, and bolted the door.
She returned to the table, but could no longer calm down.
Today's smooth sailing made her feel somewhat uneasy, like the calm before the storm.
"I hope I'm just imagining things," she murmured, blowing out the candle.
In the darkness, she didn't see several dark figures silently flit across the rooftop, disappearing into the night like ghosts.
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