Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 970 - 930: This Is the Imperial Palace??

It was precisely because of this crucial detail that Lin Yi kept his complete focus on piloting the helicopter.

Without any real-time feedback mechanisms available on the ground, he understood the necessity of exercising extreme caution during the flight.

Lin Yi’s pointed question caused Leng Yu to fall into a deep, continuous state of contemplation, during which the helicopter flew on with remarkable steadiness.

Noticing Leng Yu’s furrowed brow from the corner of his eye, Lin Yi couldn’t help but offer a faint, knowing smile.

He mused internally, this young lady is still rather inexperienced when it comes to dealing with me.

Of course, he harbored no illusions that he had expertly deceived her; the situation demanded she confront this issue eventually.

His intention was also to assess her strategic capabilities, to determine if she possessed inherent talent for commanding troops or the requisite courage for leadership.

The moment she stepped into the imperial court, this very matter would undoubtedly present itself as her inaugural challenge.

His plan was to entrust the entirety of the situation’s management to her.

Nevertheless, this did not signify a complete relinquishment of oversight; he would provide discreet protection.

Should she ultimately prove lacking in tactical acumen or the ability to alter the course of events, he alone possessed the power to repel the Yan Country’s forces.

However, such direct intervention would not foster the development of his own troops.

The Dayou Kingdom could not perpetually depend on his singular might; all its governmental branches required synchronized operation, much like the military, which needed to function autonomously. He couldn’t possibly lead every charge himself, could he? If that were the case, what would be the point of his reign as king?

Consequently, even after reaching the Capital City, Leng Yu remained lost in her thoughts, her brow still knit in concentration.

She was so absorbed that she failed to register the helicopter's landing within the very grounds of the Imperial Palace, executed by Lin Yi.

Observing her intensely serious and focused expression, Lin Yi let out a soft chuckle. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently tickled her nose; her demeanor of profound concentration was simply too endearing.

Naturally, such familiarity was exclusively permissible from Lin Yi; any other individual daring to touch Leng Yu’s nose would likely face immediate retribution, perhaps even a swift unsheathing of her sword.

Her fiery temperament was a widely acknowledged fact throughout the Border Army Camp.

It was only in Lin Yi’s presence that she exhibited this level of tender affection. Perhaps it was a case of contrasting forces: Lin Yi alone possessed the ability to tame this remarkable woman, who could be both a fierce dragon and gentle as flowing water.

Indeed, a woman of such dual nature was a rare find, the kind every man might fantasize about possessing; after all, who wouldn’t desire a partner capable of being simultaneously sweet and spirited?

As the helicopter settled onto the ground, the immediate vicinity was swiftly cleared.

Personnel quickly moved to cordon off the area.

Though they formed a perimeter, their actions were subtle, serving only to isolate the space from any approaching onlookers.

Earlier, Lin Yi had issued explicit instructions for this zone to be completely secured upon the helicopter’s arrival, forbidding any unauthorized presence nearby.

Not a single individual voiced any objection to this directive, particularly after Lin Yi had demonstrated his formidable power one fateful night, leaving all the Imperial Palace guards utterly astonished by his capabilities.

For a considerable period, Lin Yi’s standing among these guards reached an unparalleled and unshakeable level.

Thus, when the helicopter touched down in a central square within the palace complex, the area was conspicuously devoid of any personnel; not a single eunuch or palace maid was in sight. Only through occasional gaps in the palace structures could a few patrolling guards be glimpsed.

"Alright, we have arrived. Let's disembark," Lin Yi announced.

Leng Yu, still engrossed in her deep reflections, was startled by Lin Yi's voice. After a moment’s pause, she rapidly regained her composure, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her features:

"My apologies, Brother Lin Yi. I was so lost in thought just now that I might have inadvertently neglected you..."

Seeing her apologetic expression, Lin Yi removed his own headset and then gently took hers off. He followed this by ruffling her lustrous, long hair:

"There’s no need for such formalities. We’ve reached our destination; let’s head down quickly."

Upon hearing Lin Yi’s renewed mention of their location, Leng Yu’s gaze darted around the surroundings.

What met her eyes instantly stunned her, her expression a mask of utter disbelief.

Fixing her gaze on Lin Yi, her mouth fell open, rendered speechless by the revelation.

After a prolonged silence, she finally managed to articulate:

"Brother Lin Yi, where exactly are we? This place seems incredibly familiar. Could it be… are we inside the Imperial Palace?"

While she had never actually set foot inside its hallowed halls, it was common knowledge that structures of such unparalleled grandeur were exclusively found within the Inner Courtyard of the Imperial Palace in the Dayou Country.

Even in the most affluent districts of the Capital City, one would be hard-pressed to find anywhere remotely comparable in magnificence.

Therefore, Leng Yu’s initial surmise pointed directly to the Imperial Palace.

Yet, at this precise moment, Leng Yu struggled to accept the reality before her, finding it difficult to believe they had truly landed within the palace itself.

After all, this was the heavily fortified Imperial Palace, a place of utmost security.

Unauthorized entry was absolutely forbidden.

Discovery would unquestionably lead to immediate encirclement.

Furthermore, if the King were to learn of their presence, his displeasure would be immediate, and he would undoubtedly dispatch forces to apprehend them.

It wasn't that Leng Yu was inherently timid or fearful.

However, the Imperial Palace operated under a strict set of rules, particularly since Leng Yu was considered an outsider.

Despite her official appointment as Grand General, she had not yet formally assumed the responsibilities of the position.

This technicality meant that Leng Yu’s current standing remained that of a mere Deputy General within the Border Army.

Given her status, it was virtually impossible for her not merely to enter the Inner Courtyard, but even to be summoned by the Emperor himself.

Following Leng Yu's line of thought, her initial destination upon arriving in the Capital City was the Ministry of Personnel.

This ministry is responsible for handling all promotions. Even though she had been directly promoted to such a high-ranking position, she still required the Minister to escort her to meet the Emperor. For an outsider to arrange an audience with the Emperor is an exceedingly arduous undertaking.

In response to Leng Yu's inquiry, Lin Yi casually nodded and stated:

"Yes, this is indeed the Imperial Palace."

[To be continued...]