Lin Yuan spent almost all his thoughts on how to attack Anfeng. He was not a military genius, he only knew some superficial knowledge, so he asked Chen Baisong to draw the offensive line first. Zhu Yuanzhang and the others captured Ni Wenjun alive and was currently rushing back with Ni Wenjun’s army.

And the consumption of resources on their side was within Lin Yuan’s expectation.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Anfeng has not sent a letter back for a long time.” Lin Yuan frowned slightly, “Either they were found, or they didn’t find anything.”

Lin Yuan closed his eyes and said, “An Laosi…..It seems he is not as capable as I thought.”

Lin Yuan was a little disappointed. At that time, when he had An Laosi go, although it was a helpless move, it was not like he was without other candidates.

If it was Song Shizhao who went there, he imagined that Anfeng would already be up in chaos.

Now, An Laosi has become a clerk under Liu Liu. Accurately speaking, this was not an official post, but this position was very important as well as notorious for the flow of money. Only highly regarded subordinates and confidantes got such a seat.

If the officials below Liu Liu want to get ahead, they naturally have to hand over all kinds of documents to advertise their achievements.

If Liu Liu knew about it, maybe one day he might hand over a memorial to the emperor, and at that time they will be able to climb up the ranks.

But if he “didn’t see”, then even if they have the ability to reach the sky, it would not be of any help.

The people below were difficult to deal with, so they had to spend more money to bribe them.

The first thing An Laosi did after taking up his new job was to take bribes.

He looked at the gifts delivered to his home with a dumbfounded expression. Although they were not priceless treasures, it was not anything cheap either. If he was really just an ordinary person, he would have been captured by these gifts at this time.

Lady An held up a piece of gold jewelry in her hand, which was also inlaid with gems. There was a butterfly made of gold as an ornament, with thin wings that trembled as the wearer breathed. The cost of such jewelry was naturally high, and even merchants couldn’t guarantee they could find a craftsman with the same skill to create such a piece.

“You can keep this stuff.” An Laosi said to his wife, “In the future, there will only be more, not less.”

Lady An really did liked this piece of jewelry, she said to An Laosi, “Since we have made progress, we should send a letter to the South Bodhisattva.”

An Laosi nodded: “I have sent someone to deliver it.”

The people who were tasked with sending the letters arrived at Anfeng after them, and they also pretended to be ordinary people who had fled over as refugees, and lived in areas where the poor were gathered.

In that kind of place, one more or one fewer person was not at all conspicuous, and no one cared either.

An Laosi did a very good job under Liu Liu. Liu Liu originally just wanted to give him a cushy position. But after watching for a while, he found that An Laosi was really capable and had a good relationship with the lower officials. He was straightforward but also not without tact, and although he was a bit of a coward, cowardice had its own advantages as it was not easy for cowards to make mistakes.

Soon, An Laosi was promoted to the next level from his clerk position and began following at Liu Liu’s side. Liu Liu even gave him an official position——naturally, this must go through Liu Futong.

Fortunately, Liu Futong was now observing the situation of the imperial court and Gaoyou. He didn’t have much time to pay attention to Han Lin’er’s harem. So of course, he didn’t know that there was such an insignificant person. And as this was an unimportant official position Liu Liu was asking for, he readily approved it.

In this way, An Laosi went from a minor official to a proper official, and completed a two-level jump in official ranks.

And most importantly, Liu Liu asked him to contact Hong Xiu.

Taking off the shell of the so-called benevolent talent scout, Liu Liu wanted something very simple. He wanted to get close to Han Lin’er.

Liu Liu was able to reach the position of Ping Zhang Yuanshi, and he had never been troubled by Liu Futong, because he was good at judging the situation.

But now Liu Liu had other ideas——was it possible for him to become the second Liu Futong? Could he hold up against Liu Futong and take a share of the imperial power from Han Lin’er?

After An Laosi came to his side, he practically used all means to have Liu Liu and Liu Futong confront each other.

Liu Liu pretended not to care on the surface, but he also had his own plans and schemes in his heart.

He also knew that it was almost impossible to make a move against Liu Futong. Liu Futong’s hands and eyes were everywhere.

But it was not difficult to be on equal standing with Liu Futong.

After all, there was still the emperor. The emperor would be willing to see two powerful officials fighting each other and restricting each other. So as long as he won the support of Han Lin’er, he was not without chance.

But with the example of Du Zundao, Liu Liu was also a little nervous.

Liu Futong had no magnanimity, he was jealous and couldn’t tolerate others.

He regarded Han Lin’er as his possession, he controlled everything about Han Lin’er, and did not allow Han Lin’er to use anyone except himself.

An Laosi and Hong Xiu exchanged correspondence. Hong Xiu wrote in the manner of a simple little girl. For example, she wrote she was doing well in the palace, and that elder brother should not miss her. If elder brother misses her, it would be her sin.

There was no mention of Han Lin’er from beginning to end.

But Liu Liu was relieved.

If the lips were too loose, sometimes the news he had spent effort and thought to get would not be so valuable.

Hong Xiu was dealing with Han Lin’er in the palace. She would remind Han Lin’er from time to time that Han Shantong was the one who conquered this empire. Without Han Shantong, Liu Futong would be nothing.

She would say in Han Lin’er’s arms: “Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and everything in the world belongs to the Son of Heaven.”

It might not be of much use to say this once or twice, but when it was spoken more, Han Lin’er slowly began to feel that way too.

Yes, today’s empire was conquered by his father. Without his father, where would Liu Futong be?

Now, he was the emperor, he should have supreme power and not just be willing to be someone else’s puppet.

An Laosi hinted to Liu Liu that the time had come.

Liu Liu saw Han Lin’er alone while Liu Futong was not in Anfeng City. The two stayed in the study for almost a whole day, and even had meals delivered to the door by the waiter.

Hong Xiu was also not allowed to enter.

But so long as Liu Liu and Han Lin’er could reach an agreement, then Liu Futong would face a scene he would never expect after returning.

Liu Liu had real power, his own subordinates, and his own circle. He was not as careless as Du Zundao. He would not confront Liu Futong head-on when he had no strength.

In the following days, Han Lin’er’s respect and affection for Liu Liu were needless to say, and officials of all ranks in the court all saw it in their eyes.

Although the emperor was a puppet, no matter what, Liu Futong needed the help of this puppet to issue government orders.

Now that Liu Futong was not here, Liu Liu had taken Liu Futong’s place.

The people from the Liu Futong faction naturally had to find ways to deliver the news to Liu Futong.

But more people were still too unsure to place a bet at this time.

Placing a bet meant getting involved. If they won, then that was no problem, but if they lost, no one would pay the consequences for them.

But Liu Liu had his own way. Han Lin’er issued a few imperial edicts and replaced many positions originally occupied by the Liu Futong faction, including food reserves and weapons and munitions. These were the most important positions now. Whoever became in charge of these, then whoever had more say.

When Liu Futong came back, the overall situation was already determined. Liu Futong held the military power in his hand and he held the political power in his.

Each had their own advantages and disadvantages, and it was naturally best if a balance was found.

“Who does Liu Liu think he is?” Liu Futong cursed, “If it wasn’t for me, could he have today?”

Liu Futong drank a cup of cold tea, calmed down gradually, and asked, “Why didn’t you report me about the conspiracy between him and Han Lin’er?”

“A whole day!” Liu Futong threw the cup at the head of the kneeling man.

The man didn’t dare to block or avoid, so he could only take the hit directly. His head was smashed and blood dripped down to his eye, but he didn’t dare to reach out to wipe it. He knelt on the ground and said tremblingly, “Imperial Tutor please don’t be angry! Imperial Tutor please don’t be angry! That Liu Liu is just a dog that threatens based on the master’s power, as long as you go to the emperor…..”

Liu Futong: “I should go to Han Lin’er?”

He laughed angrily: “Let me tell you, even if I killed Liu Liu, I won’t go to Han Lin’er.”

“I go to him, but he won’t listen to me, and then I go to kill Liu Liu, that would be a rebellion.”

“I don’t look for him, but kill the person directly, now that would be much easier.”

“You go and call some people to prepare. In a few days, when we go to court, Liu Liu will be arrested and charged with a crime.” Liu Futong, “Well? Hurry up! If you can’t handle this little thing, what use do I have for you?!”

The man got up and ran out while still hunched over.

Liu Futong’s anger was still unable to lessen.

He was not angry with Liu Liu, he was angry with Han Lin’er.

In the rebellion back then, Han Shantong died just after he opposed the Yuan imperial court. It was he who tried his best to protect Han Lin’er and help him become emperor. Liu Futong believed that he was not even as good to his own son as he was to Han Lin’er. He always considered for Han Lin’er, whether it was the imperial court or the harem, he took care of Han Lin’er meticulously.

He gave the throne to Han Lin’er!

What did Han Lin’er give him?

Taking advantage of his absence and then naming Du Zundao as the prime minister. Who was Du Zundao? He just had a belly of useless ink, only knowing to get power, and to act recklessly on the affairs of the army, yet Han Lin’er actually thought he was a good official?

Liu Futong really wanted to dig out Han Lin’er’s eyeballs and let him see what was good and what was bad!

It difn’t matter if people were stupid, what mattered was that this stupid person was the emperor!

Du Zundao died. He thought that Han Lin’er would stop for a few years. But the result? Liu Liu appeared.

Han Lin’er also personally issued several imperial decrees. When he was not there, there was no opposition in the imperial court. With the support from Liu Liu’s faction, and added to Han Lin’er’s firm attitude, when he came back, all the positions that should be changed had been changed.

The more Liu Futong thought of this, the colder his heart became.

He dedicated his life to the Han father and son pair for so many years, only to have suspicion sprout between the monarch and the minister in the end?

Han Lin’er was no longer willing to listen to him.

Han Lin’er wanted to control imperial power by himself. He could kill Du Zundao, he could kill Liu Liu.

But he couldn’t kill everyone in the imperial court.

So long as he and Han Lin’er were not of one mind, others could always take advantage of it.

Liu Futong took a deep breath and felt a little lost.

He had done so much, yet Han Lin’er still didn’t believe him nor respected him. If one day he lost power, he didn’t want to know what Han Lin’er would do to him. Boiling the hound once it caught the rabbit might be his final fate (TN: to get rid of sb once he has served his purpose).

But to have him deal with Han Lin’er and sit on the throne himself, Liu Futong couldn’t do it.

He admired and respected Han Shantong to such an extent, so how could he take his son’s seat?

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

AN: From Han Lin’er’s perspective: “I am the emperor, but I have no real power. I am oppressed by officials, and I want to take back the power that belongs to me.”

From Liu Futong’s point of view: “Han Lin’er is a fool, and if the power is given to him everyone will be finished, so I have to guard it for him.”

Each has their own reason and each has their own version of justice.

One’s views are shaped by one’s circumstances.

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

“Laoye, this is the news from the palace.” The servant walked behind Liu Liu with a stooped back, delivering a letter with both hands.

Liu Liu, dressed in his regular robes, stretched out his hand to take the letter. He had his own eyes in the palace. As an official now, who hadn’t planted a few people in the palace?

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After reading the letter, Liu Liu laughed: “The Emperor is a romantic man, and he actually still has the inclination to play keeping a mistress in a golden house.”

The servant was Liu Liu’s old servant who had followed him for a long time. He looked very simple and honest, but he had a clever head. He knew what could be asked and what could not be asked. At this time, he also showed a smiling face: “The Emperor is young, at the age where one likes to have fun.”

“Don’t know which Niangniang has such a good fate.”

Liu Liu sneered: “If she is a Niangniang, would she still have sent this letter to me? What can be said about those things in the palace?”

The old servant was a little surprised: “If it isn’t a Niangniang, then could she be a palace maid? This…..”

Since ancient times, there was no lack of palace maids being promoted to be part of the emperor’s harem, but Han Lin’er was different. The women in his harem were almost all chosen by Liu Futong. Him pampering a palace maid, wasn’t that slapping Liu Futong’s face?

“That palace maid has some ability.” Liu Liu walked into the house, burned the letter, and said, “Although she has no status, she is able to be by the emperor’s side, and even the imperial study room she can enter and leave at will. Forget about the Empress, even Noble Consort Li can’t match her. If she is a fool, then fine, but if she is a fool, how can she win over the Emperor?”

The old servant said: “In the end, it is a matter of the harem, which has nothing to do with the imperial court, moreover it will not be in the way of Laoye’s business.”

Liu Liu: “This is not the case. The imperial court and the harem have always been interconnected. The affairs of the Emperor have never been divided into family affairs and national affairs. Everything can be considered family affairs.”

The old servant didn’t understand: “What does Laoye mean?”

Liu Liu smiled and said, “That palace maid’s surname is An. She is the younger sister of a minor official in the north of the city. She has no father and no mother. Only her elder brother and sister-in-law are alive. If I can recruit her brother and sister-in-law before anyone else, wouldn’t I have complete control of her?”

The old servant understood: “Laoye is wise! Laoye is wise!”

“So go prepare the gift for me and send it to the An family. Also set up a table at the Hongyun Restaurant, and invite that palace maid’s brother to the restaurant.” Liu Liu, “She is by the emperor’s side, and naturally knows the emperor’s movements better than others, know more than others, and naturally there will be more benefits.”

Although Han Lin’er had no real power, no officials were willing to offend him either. After all, Han Lin’er was young, and Liu Futong’s advanced age was also a fact. When Liu Futong died, Han Lin’er would inevitably regain power. At that time, all officials would have to once again find their positions.

Liu Liu didn’t want to wait until that time to find a way out.

An Laosi was shocked when he learned that Liu Liu had invited him for a drink and he was in a state of extreme excitement all day long. He and his wife had been in Anfeng for too long. After staying for so long, they still had not yet made any progress and he didn’t even know what to write in the reports sent to Lin Yuan. An Laosi had been working as a minor official and all the money he brought before were all used up in bribery and getting things in order, so now he really depended on his salary for a living.

Lady An was doing well socializing with the women of nearby families, and she also took up some needlework to subsidize the family.

An Laosi had been depressed for a long time. He tried to look for ways everywhere, but when it came to the interests of others, the routes he could find were very limited.

He believed that he could climb up by his own ability, but time waited for no one, he didn’t have the time to do things gradually.

Liu Liu’s invitation gave him a boost of energy.

An Laosi’s depression was swept away instantly and he said to his wife: “This is probably Hong Xiu’s credit.”

Lady An said worriedly: “Don’t know how she is doing in the palace. She hadn’t sent a letter back for many days. Before there would at least be the occasional oral message to tell us that she is safe and well in the palace.”

An Laosi: ​​”Believe me, the South Bodhisattva has definitely not forgotten Anfeng, he will attack here in the next year at the latest.”

Lady An: “And how do you know?”

An Laosi smiled and said in a low voice, “You don’t understand people like the South Bodhisattva.”

“In the eyes of people like them, everything in the world belongs to him.” An Laosi said, “So what he wants, he must get in his hands. Now that the imperial court has barely any strength left to hold up against a single blow, and the South Bodhisattva has also taken Hanyang, Anfeng is the last stumbling block.”

Lady An: “You go and sound it out, that Liu Liu is looking for you, it must be because of Hong Xiu. If Hong Xiu has the favor of Han Lin’er, then that’s fine, but if she has caused trouble…..”

An Laosi: ​​”Don’t worry, if she really caused a serious incident, it would not be Liu Liu who comes to me. At this time, the government soldiers should have us surrounded. Oh you, you are at a loss the more concerned you are.”

Lady An smiled: “Yes, I actually forgot about this.”

An Laosi changed his clothes and went directly to the restaurant Liu Liu spoke of.

This restaurant could be regarded as the most luxurious restaurant in Anfeng. The people who come to dine here were either high-ranking officials or wealthy merchants. They wore silk and satin and ate expensive delicacies.

An Laosi felt a little amused.

They rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty, and they talked about finding justice for the common people of the world. But now that they were in power, how were they any different from the Yuan Dynasty?

Those high-sounding words were in fact, just a way to seek one’s own interests.

“Brother An has come.” Liu Liu was a capable person, able to advance and retreat when necessary. He was even willing to call a minor official like An Laosi brother. Liu Liu smiled, “I have heard of brother An’s name before. You are a capable official and I had always wanted to see you, but unfortunately I have been busy with government affairs, and only now have the free time to do so.”

An Laosi looked very flattered, he tried hard to act as an ordinary minor official who was narrow-minded and short-sighted. He laughed: “This, I, you really praise me too much! It’s all part of my duties! Much thanks to Lord Liu for thinking so highly, this humble one is really, really…..”

As he was talking, his eyes reddened and he cried directly: “This humble one is dedicated to my duties and is diligent everyday. Having gotten these words from Lord Liu, this humble one has not done it in vain!”

Liu Liu’s smile was a little stiff, thinking that this person was probably not able to be dealt with by just handing him a small official post.

“Come, come, sit down first, sit down and talk later, us brothers can drink and chat.” Liu Liu filled the wine cups.

After a few cups of wine, An Laosi became more talkative.

“Lord Liu, you don’t know, I came here as a refugee and I was separated from my family. Only my wife came to Anfeng with me.” An Laosi cried sincerely, “I finally established a footing here and even found my sister. But before our family even had enough time to reunite, my sister entered the palace.”

“We grew up together and I know she has a timid nature with one of her own opinions. She is timid but she is beautiful. I am afraid that she will suffer in the palace.” An Laosi spoke with a sniffling nose, “Although I don’t have much ability, I can still feed and support my family. I don’t want anything else, I just want the whole family to be together.”

Liu Liu saw that he was drunk enough, and asked, “Your sister has a timid nature?”

An Laosi nodded: “She hasn’t liked talking since she was a child. In our village, when other children bullied her, she only dared to cry secretly. Our parents bought her sweets only to have other children take it away from her but she only dared to say that she ate it herself. With that kind of temperament, how is she fit for living in the palace?”

Liu Liu filled An Laosi’s wine cup again, and smiled: “You can’t say that. Smart people have a place for smart people, and timid girls are not bad girls. Maybe they are even more worthy of affection.”

An Laosi stared at Liu Liu in a drunken daze: “What do you mean…..someone is interested in my sister?”

“Which lord is it?”

Liu Liu looked at him with a half-smile, as if everything was in tacit understanding.

An Laosi suddenly widened his eyes, and he seemed to sober up in an instant. He stammered and asked, “Could it be…..”

Liu Liu smiled and said, “Brother An, you have a good sister.”

An Laosi: ​​”This…..this…..”

Liu Liu: “This is her good fortune. Of the women in the world, how many have her good fortune?”

The expression of An Laosi was shocked and disbelieving.

Liu Liu said: “This official also thought about it, brother, you have never had any bad records, and you are also literate. Why don’t you come and be my clerk? The salary will be more than what you have now, and it will be easier to climb up in the future.”

Liu Liu’s meaning was very clear. It was equivalent to directly saying to An Laosi: “I am helping you because of your sister. Since I have helped you, I will also benefit from it. We are all sensible people, so don’t pretend to be confused while knowing the truth.”

After drinking all night, An Laosi would be taking up his new post tomorrow.

After he went back, he said to his wife: “Hong Xiu has now done quite well in the palace and she is quite favored by Han Lin’er. Otherwise, Liu Liu would not spend such efforts to win over a minor official like myself.”

After thinking about it, the Lady An said: “I imagine Liu Liu has planted a lot of his own people in the palace, as not many people outside know that Hong Xiu has gained such favor, otherwise our courtyard should be buried in invitations and gifts at this time.”

Treating people according to their social status. Many people didn’t have to learn this thing at all as they were born with the skill.

An Laosi got a big basin of hot water, put it under his wife’s feet, and rolled up his sleeves to wash her feet for her.

After coming to Anfeng, the couple acted in the role of a poor couple. He spent all their savings to buy a minor official post, and he had to rely on the wife to do needlework to subsidize the family. Over time, An Laosi had really changed somewhat. He would never do something like wash his wife’s feet, since in his opinion, it was not what a man should do.

While washing his wife’s feet, An Laosi said, “I just don’t know when Hong Xiu will send us a letter. It would be better to be able to see each other. I imagine she has already collected a lot of news these days.”

But his wife didn’t listen to what he was talking about. She suddenly said, “I know why Liu Liu came. It was Hong Xiu who revealed the news of her favor to Liu Liu.”

An Laosi said strangely: “Why disclose it to him? Although he is a high official, he is of little use.”

Lady An sighed at her husband’s habit of overlooking things. She reminded: “Du Zundao.”

An Laosi: ​​”…..”

He took a breath and said to his wife: “Hing Xiu is really…..really too daring…..”

Lady An also felt admiration: “She has scheming and ability, as well as daring and decisiveness. An Laosi, you are inferior to her.”

An Laosi: ​​”…..How do you call your husband?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Lady An couldn’t help but laugh: “If you ever fix your habit of overlooking things and stubbornness, I won’t say anything about you again, and instead praise you day and night, what do you think?”

An Laosi shuddered: “I can do without praises day and night…..”

He also muttered in a low voice: “I don’t know where you learned it, you are more and more able to talk back and choke people with your words.”

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

Hong Xiu knelt on the ground, with her head resting on Han Lin’er’s lap, listening quietly. Her current identity was very ambiguous, she was not a concubine, but she was not a palace maid either. She was like Han Lin’er’s pet, appearing when she’s called and leaving when she’s waved away.

Even so, Hong Xiu didn’t dare to show impatience.

When Han Lin’er looked for her, the most he often talked about was his childhood and adolescence.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Han Shantong was still alive at that time. He admired and respected his father, always thinking that one day he would have his father look at him with pride.

But before he could have his father be proud of him, his omnipotent father died, and he had to go on the run while being protected by his uncles in order to become emperor.

However, this title of emperor was not passed to him by his father, and Han Shantong was not the emperor when he died. His position as emperor was unjustified and undeserving.

After the uncles pushed him to this position, they tried every means to control him. Although he was the emperor, he was not even as powerful as a small official. He could only be the emperor in the harem. His favorite officials and those who he was willing to entrust important tasks to had been killed by Liu Futong.

And more than one were killed.

Han Lin’er’s inner feelings of frustration and humiliation were increasing day by day, and never diminished.

But he was not a brave man by nature, he did not dare fight against Liu Futong.

He also didn’t dare to confide to the concubines in the harem. Although he lay on the same bed with them, the closest relationship in everyone’s eyes, Han Lin’er was not stupid. He knew that these concubines had their own families, and their families all listened to Liu Futong. He, the emperor, was not so valuable in the eyes of those people.

Hong Xiu was different. She was just a palace maid who was not valued by the empress. She did not have an excellent family background, she had not even received a good education and was illiterate. Moreover, she had the same experience as him, a great father who died young, under pressure from the outside world. They were so similar.

Han Lin’er stroked Hong Xiu’s hair, and he said softly, “Xiu’er, only you understand Zhen.”

Hong Xiu’s voice was very soft: “This slave understands.”

Han Lin’er sighed, as if thinking of something again, he suddenly said angrily: “What else does he want? Now the military tally is in his hands, and Zhen can’t intervene in the army affairs. He is also in charge of overseeing whoever enters the harem. And even during morning assembly, Zhen can’t even interject a word now.”

“What’s the point of being an emperor like Zhen? He is so domineering, so why does he let me be the emperor? Might as well hand it over to him instead, and let him be the emperor, which would be much better than Zhen’s current humiliating situation!”

Han Lin’er’s expression was angry and helpless.

Hong Xiu understood that this man was a cowardly man. He was not stupid. On the contrary, he was very smart, but he dared not change. He was afraid that if he lost in the battle with Liu Futong, he would lose even his current position. This throne was the only thing he had now, and without this throne, he would be even worse off than ordinary people.

It was as difficult as climbing the sky to get him to fight for power with Liu Futong.

Hong Xiu let out a sigh. She thought she could encourage Han Lin’er’s ambition, but now it seemed that he did not lack ambition. He only lacked courage, and courage could not be encouraged. She could provoke Han Lin’er into anger, but the anger was short-lived. When the anger subsided, Han Lin’er would choose to be hesitant and silent again.

“Your Majesty, the imperial tutor also wants to share your worries for you.” Hong Xiu said softly, “Maybe it’s just because the imperial tutor is too concerned about you.”

Han Lin’er sneered: “You don’t know. Zhen only appointed a small official before. But he ordered a team of soldiers to capture and kill him and then appointed himself as the imperial tutor and Taibao (TN: very high official in ancient China). From beginning to end, no one asked for Zhen’s opinion. As the monarch of a country, Zhen can’t even appoint an official. What’s the point of being an emperor then?”

He repeated over and over, saying only those few words, either “Zhen’s position as the emperor has no meaning”, or “It is better to let the imperial be the emperor”.

Hong Xiu could only comfort him continuously.

“Your Majesty is the lord of the world, I imagine the imperial tutor is just being momentarily stubborn.” Hong Xiu whispered, “There is no difference between a courtier and a concubine.”

Han Lin’er was amused by Hong Xiu’s words: “What an official can do, a concubine can’t do.”

Hong Xiu showed a timid look: “But both officials and concubines want to be favored by the emperor.”

Han Lin’er narrowed his eyes: “What they want is the favor of the imperial tutor.”

Hong Xiu stopped talking.

Han Lin’er thought that Hong Xiu was frightened, and said softly, “Zhen can only say these things to you. Zhen knows that Xiu’er is different from others.”

He sincerely believed that Hong Xiu loved him, and not the throne under his ass.

“Zhen wants to make you a concubine!” Han Lin’er said suddenly, “Zhen can’t control the court, but can’t Zhen control the harem at least?”

Hong Xiu was taken aback by Han Lin’er’s whimsy. She wanted to persuade him from the idea. After all, although she had no position now, she was always able to be by Han Lin’er’s side. For her, this was better than staying in the consort’s palace and waiting for Han Lin’er to come.

Hong Xiu looked at Han Lin’er with tears in her eyes.

Hong Xiu weeped: “This slave doesn’t want a position…..this slave just wants to be by Your Majesty’s side. If you confer a concubine title, this slave can only stay in the consort’s palace. If Your Majesty forgets this slave, what would this slave do?”

She clutched at her chest, and her tears couldn’t stop streaming: “Every time this slave thinks about this, this slave will feel an unbearable chest pain, and can’t sleep at night at all.”

Han Lin’er believed that Hong Xiu loved him. In this harem, Hong Xiu had no foundation. After following him, it was equivalent to falling out with the empress, so Hong Xiu would definitely hold onto him tightly. Her only means of having a standing in the harem was Han Lin’er’s favor.

Han Lin’er was very confident about this.

Hong Xiu could not do without him.

This was the first time Han Lin’er had experienced this feeling of being desperately needed.

He was not needed in his court as Liu Futong was in control of everything. Since the officials he appointed were killed, the civil and military officials of the imperial court no longer wasted energy on him, but instead focused all their energy on how to please Liu Futong.

And the women in the harem…..the women in the harem had their own way of surviving. They need Han Lin’er’s favor, but it was not that they couldn’t live without his favor. They were all selected by Liu Futong and compared with the emperor Han Lin’er, the most important in their hearts was their family.

Han Lin’er clearly understood how isolated and helpless he was in this palace.

The officials only wanted to rob him of power, and the concubines just wanted to give birth to his heir.

Even Noble Consort Li, Han Lin’er believed that even if he no longer visited her or favored her, she could live well in the palace.

So this emphasized Hong Xiu’s preciousness even more. This woman’s life was entirely dependent on him. He was her heaven and her earth.

In front of her, he was more like a real emperor than ever.

If he was gone, she would lose everything.

Han Lin’er stroked Hong Xiu’s beautiful face, kissed her with lingering affection, embraced her, but did not touch her further.

Hong Xiu had always wondered why Han Lin’er didn’t touch her. She had a way to conceal the fact that she was not a virgin. The women in the brothel would use these methods all the time. The brothel keeper always wanted to sell their first nights a few more times so that she could make more money.

After Han Lin’er left, Hong Xiu sat at the table and poured herself a cup of cold tea. It had been a long time since she passed any news to An Laosi and the others. Although she was with Han Lin’er, Han Lin’er himself did not have any intention of fighting Liu Futong for power. Even if she had the ability to reach the sky, she couldn’t use it at all.

She was more anxious in her heart than anyone, but she had to remain alert to deal with Han Lin’er and the empress.

The empress was also anxious. She tried every means to send Hong Xiu to Han Lin’er with the purpose of making Hong Xiu a concubine and have her live in or near Consort Li’s personal quarters, so that she could cause Consort Li to have a miscarriage which would then allow her to continue to securing her position as empress.

However, Hong Xiu was not conferred a concubine title despite a long time having passed, and it was impossible for her to ask Han Lin’er about it either.

After all, only when Han Lin’er believed that Hong Xiu was not acting on her orders could Hong Xiu get close to Noble Consort  Li.

Hong Xiu unfolded the secret letter sent by the empress.

The empress was asking why she hadn’t been conferred a concubine title, and why she hadn’t approached Nible Consort Li.

In addition to questioning, the empress also played on her emotions, expressing that she was worried that Hong Xiu could not sleep all night, she regarded Hong Xiu as her own sister, and promised that as long as she gave birth to a child in the future, she would be willing to let Hong Xiu raise the child together.

In the end, she also asked if Han Lin’er didn’t love Hong Xiu. If Han Lin’er had no interest in Hong Xiu, she would continue to think of other ways.

Hong Xiu looked at this letter and felt that although the empress was the mother of a country, she was also quite lamentable. Perhaps she was no different from a prostitute like herself.

The empress begged her in the letter, begged a little palace maid who had all the hopes of the empress pinned on her.

Hong Xiu burned the letter.

If this letter were to circulate, she could forget about establishing a foothold in the palace.

Moreover, her goal was never the empress, but Han Lin’er. Her gaze was not on the harem, but on the imperial court.

The empress was just her springboard which she used to approach Han Lin’er. She had achieved her goal, and the empress naturally lost any value and usefulness.

Hong Xiu but her lip, she was now in the harem, and she was just a small palace maid unable to touch the imperial court at all.

It would be better if she was a man. She could cut off that thing to be a eunuch, which would result in a better situation than she was in now. After all, the eunuchs were able to make contact with officials, and no matter what she would be able to think of more ways.

The more it was like this, Hong Xiu knew that she should be calmer. She found a eunuch and asked him who Han Lin’er had summoned to see. She would give him some benefits, no more, no less. If she gave too much, it would feed the eunuch’s appetite, and it would be more difficult to ask him to do things in the future.

She didn’t worry about whether the eunuch would suspect anything. After all, it was common for the imperial concubines to inquire about the emperor’s movements, and everyone knew about this.

The eunuch told Hong Xiu: “His Majesty has summoned Liu Yuanshi.”

Hong Xiu stuffed a gold bracelet in the eunuch’s hand.

Liu Yuanshi referred to Liu Liu, who had been given the official position as Ping Zhang Yuanshi and had real power.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

He was conferred his title with Du Zundao back then, but Du Zundao was killed by Liu Futong.

Hong Xiu finally had a smile on her face.

She knew where to start.

She, a woman controlled by Han Lin’er, could not incite his ambitions.

But an important official with real power could.

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

“Incapable ruler!”

Whether it was on the streets or at the end of the alley, the common people were all talking about Xu Shouhui.

This was a very rare phenomenon. Generally speaking, even if there was no deliberate control from above, the common people would not talk about those in power.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Even if this person in power had become a past tense.

Every time Sun Yunzhou went out on the streets, he could hear the common people say this.

This time he finally couldn’t bear it, and went forward to argue with a porter: “Why do you say that the emperor is an incapable ruler?”

Porter: “What kind of emperor is he? Who made him the emperor? Is his claim righteous? It’s just to bully us common people!”

Sun Yunzhou quoted a lot of scriptures and classics.

Porter: “I don’t understand! You scholars all speak incomprehensibly, who knows what you want to say.”

“I just know that when surnamed Xu became the emperor, my life didn’t change for the better. It was after the South Bodhisattva came, did I have work to do, and I didn’t need to give gifts and act like a grandson to anyone!”

“Whoever allows me to live a good life, whoever is the sage ruler!” The porter dropped these words and left with his goods.

Sun Yunzhou was left standing on the streets with a dazed expression.

It seemed that overnight, the common people dared to talk about the Tian Wan regime’s political power. They had countless grievances, and the pain the minor officials brought to them was always engraved in their hearts, and these sins were naturally placed on Xu Shouhui’s head.

If Xu Shouhui was a sage ruler, how could he let the munir officials oppress the people?

The common people didn’t care if Xu Shouhui had any real power or not. After all, they understood simply that the emperor was the lord of all things, and saying that he had no real power, the people wouldn’t believe it at all.

When Sun Yunzhou returned home, he was devastated and at a loss.

His daughter asked with concern: “Father, what’s wrong? Has something troubling happened?”

This was his only daughter. He taught and educated her personally and so she was the only person in this family who could understand him.

He also gave her a boudoir name: Sun Yao.

“Yaoyao.” Sun Yunzhou smiled with some difficulty, “Father is fine, you go to rest first.”

Sun Yao: “Father, don’t lie to me. Mother said that since the Southern King entered Hanyang, you never smiled again.”

Sun Yunzhou leaned on the chair, and he asked, “Yaoyao, do you also think the emperor is incapable?”

Sun Yao didn’t speak.

Sun Yunzhou looked at his daughter: “Yaoyao, tell the truth, father won’t blame you.”

Sun Yao said: “Father, this daughter would rather he be an incapable ruler.”

Sun Yunzhou looked at his daughter in disbelief.

Sun Yao continued: “The incapable ruler can at least control the government. He must have power to be incapable. How can he be incapable if he has no power? He is a weak ruler! A weak ruler is worse than an incapable ruler!”

Sun Yunzhou: “That was not chosen by the emperor himself, it was Ni Wenjun…..”

Sun Yao took her father’s hand and said earnestly: “Father, don’t worry about those things anymore. Now that Hanyang has changed hands, you are no longer an official. Although your daughter is not male, I am willing to be a pillar of support for the Sun family. Even if the emperor is still the emperor and General Zhao repulsed Ni Wenjun, there will still be a second Ni Wenjun.”

Sun Yunzhou closed his eyes.

Sun Yao said: “Father, this daughter asked about it. I heard that all the places under the rule of the Southern King can recruit son-in-laws. Daughter can also find a husband to marry into the family. I won’t have to leave father and mother, and my children, whether boy or girl, will all be surnamed Sun.”

Sun Yunzhou heard a hint of excitement from his daughter’s words.

He suddenly understood, and he asked his daughter: “What do you think of the Southern King?”

Sun Yao didn’t even think about it: “Daughter has observed his actions, and sees that he is intelligent and decisive, holds heavy power but knows how to judge and use people. Moreover, he is different from ordinary people. I have heard that in Gaoyou and the other places, women can work, establish households and support themselves. They can find husbands to marry into the family and be buried in their own ancestral grave…..”

Sun Yunzhou suddenly understood that every unpredictable and incomprehensible policy of the Southern King could gain a certain part of the people’s heart.

Women set up households and find husbands to marry into their family. To them, it seemed very absurd, but it caused women all over the world to go crazy for it.

The benefits were in their hands. If the Southern King was here then the benefits still existed. If the Southern King was gone then the benefits would also be gone. Women were not fools. They would inevitably support the Southern King for their own interests.

Those lowly people who had never been of much regard by others could now live a life without worries under the rule of the Southern King. Thinking about it, it was quite obvious that they would also inevitably become the most loyal supporters of the Southern King.

Sun Yunzhou leaned on the chair, and he asked, “I heard that there are female managers under the Southern King, and women can also be officials.”

Sun Yao smiled and said, “Father, what do you think of your daughter?”

Sun Yunzhou looked at his daughter. This young woman was raised and educated personally by him. She was like him when he was younger, ambitious and full of curiosity about everything. She would choose what she thought was right, just like him before, and then walk on the chosen path without any regrets in this entire lifetime.

Sun Yao said: “I heard that the Southern King is still using the officials from Hanyang. Father, you have a long history of political achievements, and you have no bad marks on your track record as an official. If you are…..”

Sun Yunzhou interrupted his daughter: “Don’t talk nonsense!”

He had never reprimanded his daughter in such a heavy tone before. Sun Yao was stunned. She looked at her father: “Father, don’t you know what the situation in our family is like now? You say you have a plan, and so you sold the shops, the land, and even the ancestral house. All the valuables in the family are gone, and not much of mother’s dowry is left. Are we supposed to sit idle and eat ourselves out of any remaining savings?”

Sun Yunzhou lowered his eyes. He knew that now he was in a desperate situation, the money was spent, and Hu Yu was dead. He originally thought that Hu Yu was the last road he could take, but he did not expect that Hu Yu was just a bait to lure the snake out of the hole. Every movement of his was seen in the other’s eyes.

That Southern King was really not a simple person.

If Xu Shouhui could have half of this Southern King’s ability…..

Sun Yunzhou sighed.

If he did, then would Ni Wenjun even rebel? Would they be where they were now?

“Father, Hanyang has changed hands.” Sun Yao said softly, “You going to work under the Southern King now will not be considered a betrayal. Since ancient times, legitimacy belongs to the victor and people of insight have been willing to follow the sage ruler. The sage ruler and the virtuous officials complement each other. Now that you have a ready-made sage ruler in front of you, why won’t you let go of your stubbornness?”

“You once told this daughter that there are not many choices one can make in this life, either because of one’s status or because of circumstances. And now you not only have status, it also happens that the Southern King is short of people.”

Sun Yao’s words were both light and soft: “Following the Southern King, you might immediately be able to serve as an official and work for the well-being of the people of the world. Looking at the actions of the Southern King this whole way, he has put the people first in everything he did and the government decrees he issued. Isn’t he the kind of monarch that father wants?”

Sun Yunzhou glared at his daughter: “You saying so much is just because you want to recruit a husband to marry into the family!”

Sun Yao coquettishly said: “This daughter doesn’t want to leave father and mother, this daughter wants to continue caring for my parents.”

Sun Yunzhou patted the back of Sun Yao’s hand: “Don’t force your father, let father think some more.”

He still couldn’t get past the hurdle in his heart.

In his opinion, all the virtuous officials in the world should only dedicate themselves to their only monarch until death.

If the monarch was humiliated then his ministers shall die, and when the monarch died his ministers shall follow.

Sun Yunzhou sat in the study for the entire night.

On the rice paper, he wrote down the places the Southern King had passed through over these years, and listed what policies the Southern King had issued.

He wrote carefully, and he read it over carefully after writing.

When he closed his eyes, what appeared in his mind was everything that had been gained after the Southern King issued his decrees.

Was he wrong? Sun Yunzhou was a bit at a loss.

He followed Xu Shouhui and believed that no matter what the monarch over his head was like, the minister should be “loyal until the end.”

But now he had yet to die, but his monarch had already pledged his “loyalty” to another. Even the daughter he raised personally was willing to become a commoner of the Southern King because women could be officials and women could have their husband marry into the family.

In the early morning of the next day, Sun Yunzhou called his doorman to send Yang Shaowei an invitation, asking Yang Shaowei over for a visit.

Yang Shaowei tidied up his clothes and said to the servant who came to report: “Keep the invitation, I already said, I want him to come and beg me in person!”

The servant knew Yang Shaowei’s temperament well and did not persuade him, but said: “Gongzi, if it drags on too long, the South Bodhisattva…..”

Yang Shaowei had made a vow in front of Lin Yuan, and the shorter time it took, the more proof of his capabilities it would be.

There was no need to lose dignity in front of Lin Yuan for the sake of venting his anger.

Yang Shaowei took a deep breath: “Prepare the carriage, I will go there now.”

When they really become fellow officials in the same court, then he’ll slowly settle accounts with Sun Yunzhou.

“This Yang Shaowei has a similar temper to his teacher.” Lin Yuan looked at the report in his hand, and had a clue about how Yang Shaowei did things. He said to Chen Baisong, “This person, being too temperamental is not a good thing. I plan to send Yang Shaowei to you.”

Chen Baisong was taken aback: “Give him to me? What use do I have for him?”

There was an undisguised dislike.

Chen Baisong disliked that Yang Shaowei thought too much.

Most of the soldiers in the army were straightforward and simple-minded. They repeat the same tasks day after day in the barracks.

If Yang Shaowei came and brought with him the way of officials to the barracks, it would not be of any benefit.

Lin Yuan smiled and said, “Do you think you can’t cure him?”

Chen Baisong looked at Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan: “I leave him to you, and you can think of how to handle him. He is not on the right path now. You will be responsible for bringing him onto the right path.”

Since Lin Yuan had spoken, Chen Baisong could only take his orders.

“Song Shizhao handed over a good disciple, and he even learned all of his teacher’s pettiness and jealousy.” Lin Yuan smiled on his face but his eyes were cold, “but I only need one Song Shizhao.”

Everyone had their own place. As for those who could influence political power, the fewer the better.

Chen Baisong: “Understood, I know what to do.”

Lin Yuan: “Only by giving him to you can I rest assured, Bai Song, don’t let me down.”

Chen Baisong opened his mouth, but did not say a word.

Lin Yuan closed his eyes, his face appearing tired. He leaned on the soft cushion: “In three months, we are going to Haozhou. Hanyang can only be given to people who can be trusted.”

Chen Baisong: “You are going to let Yang Shaowei…..”

Lin Yuan: “I have given him an opportunity, and the rest will depend on his own good fortune.”

Yang Shaowei was a smart and wise man, but his intentions were too biased and extreme. If he couldn’t be corrected, it would be difficult for him to amount to much.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

It was likely because of this that Song Shizhao sent Yang Shaowei over with him to Hanyang. He seemed to care nothing about his disciple on the surface, but he actually also had a kindly and amiable heart.

Just don’t know if Yang Shaowei would hate him or respect him more when he learned this.

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

Lin Yuan lacked talents, talents who were literate and flexible and could judge the current situation. Some of these people could be officials, some could be advisors, but Lin Yuan hoped that their desire for power would not exceed their own abilities.

Having been on the top for too long, when Lin Yuan looked at a person, he would measure the value of the person, what value could be created, what trouble they would bring, and whether the value was greater than the trouble.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

But those he could see were all at the upper level. As for the middle and lower levels, that was the task of important officials, and the management of subordinates would also be counted in their political achievements.

Officials also need to be evaluated, but what was evaluated was their reputation among the common people. If the happiness index of the common people in a region was high, then it did not matter whether the official had outstanding political achievements. After all, major events that need to be resolved were not happening everywhere, and so using this alone to determine political performance was not comprehensive.

Towards this person, Yang Shaowei, Lin Yuan had paid some attention to before. After all, Song Shizhao was a domineering person. He looked amiable and approachable, but he was actually very shrewd and selfish. Even if he gave his disciples to Lin Yuan for use, he never told Lin Yuan who was good at what, whether they were excellent talents or possessed any flaws.

Lin Yuan didn’t care about this little bit of scheming. Whether people had real talents and knowledge, it was all revealed through their handling of practical issues. Just basing it all on one mouth, even if Song Shizhao said it, Lin Yuan would not immediately believe it.

Only Yang Shaowei was the only disciple who was kept at Song Shizhao’s side.

Judging from Song Shizhao’s bad habits, Yang Shaowei must have his own outstanding qualities.

“Let him try.” Lin Yuan put his chin on his hand and said to Chen Baisong, “It has been so long since any new officials have been appointed, and the people below are also anxious.”

While they believe in the South Bodhisattva, they would also not abandon the pursuit of self-interest.

Chen Baisong’s current thinking mode was still far away from Lin Yuan’s, but he had learned to pretend to understand. When Lin Yuan asked him, he would answer the question clearly and logically. But after asking him again, he couldn’t remember anything he had said previously.

This could also be counted as a kind of talent.

Lin Yuan even felt that Chen Baisong was doing this deliberately.

The people beside him were all old foxes like Song Shizhao.

Most of them were smart people.

Whereas people who were both loyal and simpleminded were rare.

“Look at what capability he has.” Lin Yuan smiled.

The low shacks did not even have a yard. The roof tiles were almost all broken yet there was no tile picker hired to fix it. The countless years of weathering the wind and sunlight caused the house to look crude and rough. Although it could keep out the wind, it was difficult to keep out the rain. It was hard to imagine that an official who once had real power in the Tian Wan regime would willingly move from an exquisite mansion to this kind of residence.

When Yang Shaowei stood in front of this shack, he also sighed in his heart. That Sun Yunzhou really knew how to choose, and acted decisively. Once such a person insisted on something, it would be difficult for others to persuade him from it.

But was he, Yang Shaowei, just another fellow?

The corner of Yang Shaowei’s mouth hooked up in a smile and he knocked on the door of the Sun family’s house.

It was an old servant who opened the door. He had gray hair that was a little messy. Only after he informed him, did he take Yang Shaowei to see Sun Yunzhou.

Although this house was small, it was considered to have all the necessities. Yang Shaowei was taken to the study.

He wanted to spend the least amount of time to persuade Sun Yunzhou to surrender to the South Bodhisattva. It was too troublesome and took too long of a time to use methods, so it was better to have a face-to-face conversation with Sun Yunzhou.

If Sun Yunzhou persisted, it would not be too late for him to use other means.

Sun Yunzhou had never seen Yang Shaowei before, nor did he know who Yang Shaowei was.

But he knew that Yang Shaowei worked for the Southern King, and Yang Shaowei did not hide this when he introduced himself.

“Yang Gongzi.” Sun Yunzhou was originally sitting in front of the desk with pen, ink, paper and inkstone placed out on it. His handwriting was very excellent, and he had a serious and solemn face with a goatee. He looked at Yang Shaowei without any expression on his facr. It seemed that he knew he would be found a long time ago. He said in a deep voice, “When Sun has finished writing this word, Sun will go with you.”

Yang Shaowei was gentle and polite with him: “Where do you want to go, Lord Sun?”

Sun Yunzhou looked at him: “Can Sun actually pick a place myself?”

Towards these provocative words Yang Shaowei acted as if he hadn’t heard anything. He smiled and said, “Why don’t I be the host, and treat Lord Sun at the teahouse to enjoy some tea? I heard that the new Biluochun is very good, will Lord Sun give me this face.” (TN: biluochun=a type of green tea grown in the Dongting Mountain region near Lake Tai)

Sun Yunzhou looked directly at Yang Shaowei, and did not make any concessions: “That is not necessary. I’m not of the same path as Yang Gongzi, so there is no need to travel together.”

“Why do you say we are not of the same path?” Yang Shaowei, “Is it possible that Lord Sun just wants to stay in Hanyang and serve Xu Shouhui, an emperor in name only?”

Sun Yunzhou glanced at him: “Yang Gongzi is trying to provoke me?”

“Yang Gongzi, you can forget about using a psychological approach to get Sun to do as you wish. Sun has always had a clear conscience.”

The expression on Yang Shaowei’s face became solemn, and he said to Sun Yunzhou: “I was wrong to have taken Lord Sun lightly.”

Sun Yunzhou was unmoved.

Yang Shaowei also said: “Lord Sun, what merit of Xu Shouhui allowed him to gain such a loyal minister like you? He has neither vision, the ability to judge people, nor the skill to govern others. If one day, he did rule the empire, how much better does Lord Sun think he will be when compared with the emperor of the Yuan Dynasty?”

It was not that Sun Yunzhou did not understand this truth, but understanding and doing were always two different things.

Sun Yunzhou: “If Yang Gongzi is here to talk to Sun about this, then you don’t need to waste your breath anymore.”

Yang Shaowei sneered and said, “Does Lord Sun think you are a rare loyal minister?”

Sun Yunzhou asked him back: “And what is Yang Gongzi’s motive?”

To be an official, one always had something they were after. What Sun Yunzhou wanted was reputation and fame. No matter in front of outsiders or behind them, he must have a good reputation. Therefore, he never coveted things from the common people. To be an upright official, he only had a wife and did not even have a single close maid. There were no concubines, and no past of frequenting brothels. He wanted to make himself a perfect person.

Yang Shaowei smiled and said: “What I am after, I am afraid that it will be hard for Lord Sun to ever reach in your lifetime.”

Sun Yunzhou was not angry: “Why don’t Yang Gongzi tell Sun? Let Sun have an understanding?”

Yang Shaowei changed the topic: “Lord Sun was born in a famous family, unlike in myself, I was born in a small family. And with my birth, I was destined to be a poor scholar in the future. And who knew when I would be able to marry a wife and have children. When the world went up in chaos, what I thought at the time was where my next meal would be.”

“I’m afraid Lord Sun had never worried about this. A family that can raise someone like Lord Sun, who wants to leave a mark in history despite barely passing middle age, must be a famous one. Is my guess correct?”

Sun Yunzhou: “So what? Yang Gongzi went out to be an official, for fame or profit?”

Yang Shaowei smiled and shook his head: “It is neither for fame nor profit.”

Sun Yunzhou: “Not for fame or fortune, then I imagine it is to build up the manifestations of heaven and earth’s spirit, to build up a good life for the populace?”

Yang Shaowei laughed: “Lord Sun, I am inferior to Zhang Zai (TN: Chinese philosopher and politician who wrote the above). How can I be compared with him? Does Lord Sun know what the outside world looks like now? And do you know why Hanyang has no power to stand against our army or any other enemy? And do you know how heart-stirring it is when the sky changes its master?!”

“Lord Sun, after sitting in the well and watching that single piece of sky for a long time, I really thought that the sky was only that big.”

“The South Bodhisattva is intelligent and decisive, the people under his governance live and work in peace and contentment. He knows how to judge people and make good use of them, and those people who he uses he will use without suspicion. I am fortunate to have a mentor and teacher. I am not afraid of you laughing when I say this, but my teacher himself has said that he is jealous and petty, but the South Bodhisattva never treated him with suspicion.”

Yang Shaowei: “If Lord Sun insists on opposing the South Bodhisattva, have you thought about the consequences?”

Sun Yunzhou: “Yang Gongzi doesn’t need to persuade me anymore. Sun has made up my mind, and I won’t change it in this life.”

Yang Shaowei glanced at Sun Yunzhou: “Lord Sun, remember your words.”

Sun Yunzhou: “Sun will never change.”

Yang Shaowei left. After leaving the Sun family’s house, he stood in front of the door and looked at the door without expression. He would make Sun Yunzhou regret and make Sun Yunzhou unable to raise his head high in his presence.

Since Sun Yunzhou didn’t want to walk the easy path, then he shall wait, wait for Sun Yunzhou himself to beg him for a ladder.

Yang Shaowei smiled at the corner of his mouth and turned to leave.

When Sun Yunzhou discovered that the people’s support he relied on was not on his side, Yang Shaowei’s goal would be achieved.

“He really thinks he is some kind of virtuous official.” Yang Shaowei cursed while drinking tea, “Your name going down in history? It truly cannot sound better than singing. Why don’t you go to bed all day and night and see if it will happen in your daydreams!”

His servant asked in a low voice, “Does Gongzi have any countermeasures?”

Yang Shaowei: “If there is no countermeasure, what am I doing complaining to you?”

The servant breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that the gongzi had been unhappy these days.

After coming to Hanyang for so long, he was finally entrusted with an important task, but he also encountered a stubborn opponent. He didn’t dare to provoke the gongzi again, and quickly said: “Gongzi, would you like to use some snacks?”

Yang Shaowei took a deep breath: “Serve it up, and when I’m full, I will settle accounts with him.”

The servant hurriedly went out, leaving Yang Shaowei alone in the room.

After Yang Shaowei had eaten and drank his fill, he called over his people and discussed for a whole night. The several people fell asleep in the room with their clothes still on, and if anyone thought of something in the middle of the night, everyone was called up to continue the discussion.

The next day, the storytellers walked into the teahouses again as well as took to the streets.

The common people didn’t have much entertainment normally. If they could listen to some stories, then that was already a good pastime. The storyteller on the streets didn’t ask for money, but if they were willing to give some rewards afterwards then wonderful, and even if they didn’t want to then there was nothing to it.

The common people liked to listen to the stories about the Three Kingdoms or Farewell My Concubine. The bigger the battles, the more beauties there were, the better.

But this time the storytellers were no longer telling these familiar stories.

They began to talk about Hanyang, the history of Hanyang, and the great people who had appeared in Hanyang, praising Hanyang’s water and soil and the people it raised.

Then the tone changed and the storytellers began to criticize the Tian Wan regime.

But their criticism was very tactful. They criticized Tian Wan for deceiving the people, using the people, and then hurting the people.

The common people were very naive. Their way of thinking was almost a straight line. They felt that what the storyteller said at the beginning was right, and therefore what followed couldn’t be wrong either. After thinking about it carefully, it seemed that after Xu Shouhui became the emperor, they were no better off than when they used to live under the Yuan Dynasty.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

So Xu Shouhui became an incapable emperor, and his officials naturally became sycophantic and traitorous officials.

“I want to tell him a truth, there will never be any virtuous officials under an incapable emperor.” Yang Shaowei stood by the windowsill, watching the common people on the streets surrounding the storyteller, and said with a smile, “If you are a virtuous official, how can you follow an incapable and ignorant monarch? What a laugh.”

AN: Sun Yunzhou: “I’m just a bit too concerned about my face.”

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

TN: bonus chapter💕

As time went on, more and more minor officials gathered together, but most of these minor officials were formerly involved in embezzlement and bribery, and oppressing the people. And those who were truly incorruptible, most of them became marginalized people, wandering outside the collective, so at this time, of course, there was even less room for them to speak.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“It’s strange, most corrupt officials form cliques and parties, whether they are high-ranking officials or minor officials, so that they have greater voice and power.” Lin Yuan looked at the report in his hand, “but honest and clean officials, almost all of them are fighting alone, each acting independently. So for a long time, once the person above is incapable, the corrupt officials will be one step farther, while the honest officials will be in a more difficult situation.”

Chen Baisong said: “The upright officials have integrity.”

Lin Yuan sighed: “Sometimes this is called integrity, and sometimes it is called not being flexible.”

Chen Baisong asked strangely: “Not being flexible?”

Lin Yuan shook his head and said: “If one day, I become greedy for pleasure, wantonly and recklessly use sycophantic and traitorous officials, what would you do?”

Chen Baisong: “…..Pledge my life to remonstrate?”

Lin Yuan: “That’s upright, not loyal. I would doubt if you want to force me with your death. If I really listened to you, that would bring about your good reputation, while I would become known as an incapable ruler.”

Chen Baisong then said: “Then I won’t remonstrate, I’ll just give whatever you want.”

Lin Yuan: “Then you are a sycophantic official. The person above is incapable, and if the person below follows along, the country will become unstable. Will you be able to take upon this crime? When I turn back to the righteous path, you will undoubtedly die.”

Chen Baisong: “…..”

He had a look of exasperation.

Lin Yuan: “Go think some more by yourself.”

Chen Baisong discovered that Lin Yuan was really not planning to answer this question, so he could only shut up and go ask Luo Ben later.

He really didn’t know how to deal with smart people.

Just when Lin Yuan was talking with Chen Baisong, someone from outside came to report.

“That Sun Yunzhou and others have been taken into custody, and Hu Yu has also been put in jail, waiting to be questioned and executed according to the previous report.”

The whole body of the soldier was trembling with excitement.

The person in the house was the South Bodhisattva, the live one! Could speak! Not a statue, but flesh and blood, the soldier almost couldn’t breathe.

Sun Yunzhou was a big fish caught by the bait that was Hu Yu.

He became a county official when the Tian Wan regime was at its height, and he could attend court to discuss politics, as well as had his own circle of peers.

He also had a good reputation and was very generous with charity, and as a result, he was known as a good official among the common people.

He was one of the few officials who cared for the common people.

He came from a farming background, and he had followed Xu Shouhui since Xu Shouhui’s uprising. He was not very well-known and could not be compared with Zou Pusheng and the others, but he still had a certain influence.

And he was very loyal to Xu Shouhui.

Many old subordinates who were loyal to Xu Shouhui also gathered around him.

After Lin Yuan checked Sun Yunzhou’s life and his political achievements, he had to admit that this man was a good official and also a talent. He had all the virtues that officials should have in this era. He had only one wife and one daughter. Even though his wife didn’t become pregnant anymore during the past many years, he didn’t have a concubine, or even any maids. He lived very harmoniously with his wife, and his love was the same as always. Towards his daughter he also brought her up with a boy’s education.

He upheld this principle of integrity and fairness when he treated the common people as well, and even took out money from his salary to subsidize the people who had difficulties living. During famines, he also spent all of his family wealth to provide free porridge for the common people.

These were all reported by Lin Yuan’s people, even visiting many of the common people under Sun Yunzhou’s administration, all of whom had nothing but praises for him.

Lin Yuan looked over the report many times, frowning.

If this person was a corrupt official and wanted to oppose Lin Yuan for his own benefit, even if he was executed, Lin Yuan would not feel guilty or distressed.

But for such a good official, a principled, capable, and experienced official, Lin Yuan was reluctant to execute them.

As for the money he took to bribe Hu Yu, he obtained it through the sale of his own property and house. He took his wife and moved to a low shack in the cheapest area where the common people lived.

He said that he wanted to marry his daughter to Hu Yu, whether it was a legitimate daughter or a daughter of a concubine. Though this was all false. He believed that Hu Yu would not accept it, so he just used the opportunity to express sincerity.

Lin Yuan was a little curious. If Hu Yu really agreed, would Sun Yunzhou marry over his daughter and then adopt a few more daughters and say that they were daughters of concubines?

“Ignore him for a few days.” Lin Yuan said to the soldier.

The soldier promised with an energetic spirit, and left with his head held high.

Lin Yuan watched Chen Baisong drinking tea and eating snacks, and felt that he was here exhausted to death, and couldn’t even compare with Chen Baisong who knew how to enjoy life. So he also sat over. As soon as Chen Baisong picked up a cake to send it to his mouth, Lin Yuan’s head moved over, opened his mouth, and swallowed the dessert in Chen Baisong’s hand, catching Chen Baisong’s fingers on the way.

Lin Yuan opened his mouth and Chen Baisong’s fingers regained freedom.

“Take a tissue to wipe.” Lin Yuan handed the coarse paper over. The papermaking process still could not produce delicate toilet paper, but coarse paper was fine. So Lin Yuan used these low-priced coarse paper as toilet paper.

Chen Baisong took the coarse paper, but did not wipe his fingers. Lin Yuan didn’t care and ate as he spoke, “I would have brought Song Shizhao here if I knew earlier. Even if Song Shizhao can’t come, Wu Changqing is also fine, lest I have to worry about everything by myself.”

“By the way, didn’t Song Shizhao’s disciple come to Hanyang?” Lin Yuan finally remembered this, “Where did I leave him?”

Chen Baisong was really unfamiliar with civil officials. Even with Song Shizhao he did not have close contact with. Even Lin Yuan had forgotten the person, so Chen Baisong naturally couldn’t remember.

Lin Yuan ordered: “Bring Yang Shaowei over.”

The people waiting outside quickly agreed and went to find the person.

Yang Shaowei was now in the government office. He was in charge of the common people’s livelihood and pacifying the common people. Every day it was just trivial matters. However, when facing the common people, he couldn’t be impatient, couldn’t shout, couldn’t drive them out, as these would affect his future political achievements. If he didn’t do well, he wouldn’t be able to get promoted.

Yang Shaowei had a smile on his face all day long. In order to earn a good performance, he must muster up a chipper attitude, and even his face had gone stiff from the smiling.

But while his face was stiff, his body was tired, and his spirit was exhausted. Whether the South Bodhisattva had seen his performance or not, whether he knew him or not, he still had no idea at all.

What to do if he had suffered in vain?

Although he had performed excellently when under Song Shizhao, there were too many apprentices and disciples around Song Shizhao, and there was no place for him to show that he had any impressive position. The only thing that counted as his accomplishment was to bring Toqto’a over with Song Shizhao.

In addition to this, Yang Shaowei himself felt that he had not achieved much accomplishments at all.

“These are all sorted out.” Yang Shaowei said to his subordinates, “make sure the clauses are clearly distinguished, don’t mix them up, otherwise you will get what’s coming to you.”

Just when Yang Shaowei was about to start working, a soldier came over.

“Yang Gongzi.” The soldier had a smiling face.

Yang Shaowei’s heart started to beat fast. He had not been awarded an official position so his colleagues all called him the ambiguous Gongzi title. After so long, he didn’t even get a position as a manager: “Is there something the matter?”

The soldier smiled and said: “It’s happy news, the South Bodhisattva wants you to go over to see him.”

Yang Shaowei was taken aback, his whole person was struck dumb and he could only stand there motionless.

“Follow me.” The soldier walked ahead, “Don’t let the South Bodhisattva wait.”

Yang Shaowei reacted and said excitedly: “Please walk first, please walk first.”

When Yang Shaowei left, the people under his hands began to whisper——

“Our boss is going to be promoted, right?”

“Then won’t we be poultry and dogs rise to Heaven.” (TN: Once one man gets a government position, all his cronies get in too)

“You’re the one who’s a chicken, you’re the one who’s a dog!”

“But I think it must be a good thing. If it is a bad thing, our boss would not be invited over, but be arrested directly.”

“We actually also managed to wait for success.”

“Then we have to do things even more carefully, lest the South Bodhisattva send someone to investigate. Only to see us in a mess, I’m afraid we will be demoted, let alone rise up the ranks.”

“We don’t even have an official position…..where else can we be demoted to?”

“Anyway, this is an opportunity, it all depends on the boss.”

“Are you all willing to do these tasks for the rest of your life?”

Yang Shaowei stood in front of Lin Yuan. He lowered his head and did not dare to look directly at Lin Yuan’s face.

He remembered the teachings of his teacher and understood the relationship between monarchs and ministers and the principles of how they interact peacefully.

A minister was a minister, even if he was the emperor’s imperial teacher, he was still a minister.

One cannot forget who was the superior and who was the inferior for even a moment.

Lin Yuan: “Yang Shaowei?”

Yang Shaowei said solemnly: “Caomin is here.”

Lin Yuan: “Raise your head and look at me.”

Yang Shaowei raised his head.

Lin Yuan smiled and said, “Younger than I thought.”

Chen Baisong, who was next to him, glanced at Yang Shaowei.

Suddenly Yang Shaowei’s legs felt a little soft, he swallowed, then lowered his head again, not daring to raise it again.

He could only stumble over his words: “Don’t dare…..caomin don’t dare…..”

Lin Yuan laughed, don’t dare to be young?

Yang Shaowei also found out that he had spoken mistakenly, and anxiously began sweating on his forehead.

Lin Yuan: “Young people, just don’t know how steady they are when doing things.”

Yang Shaowei took a deep breath: “If the South Bodhisattva has orders, caomin will do it for the South Bodhisattva even with my life on the line.”

“Remember what you said.” Lin Yuan smiled and said, “These are the life accomplishments of Sun Yunzhou.”

He pointed to the booklet on the table: “I will give you ten days to convince Sun Yunzhou.”

“If not, I can only send you back to Song Shizhao.” Lin Yuan looked at him.

Yang Shaowei hurriedly knelt down: “If caomin fails, caomin will bring my head to see you.”

Lin Yuan sometimes felt that these people didn’t regard their lives with enough importance.

However, he still said: “You can go.”

Yang Shaowei walked away in a daze.

Though he hadn’t forgotten to take away the booklet.

If he succeeded, he would be awarded an official position, right?

His teacher was getting older, and maybe he would leave this world anytime. At that time, as his first disciple, and added to the fact that he also had political achievements to his name…..

Yang Shaowei had a dreamy smile on his face.

He devoted himself to South Bodhisattva, worked diligently and rushed to do everything that needed to be done, even if it was rough manual work, he didn’t complain at all.

Wasn’t it just to wait for the day he could amaze the world with a single brilliant feat, and then soar into the sky?

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Even if he couldn’t successfully persuade Sun Yunzhou in the end, even if his head would fall to the ground.

He also did not regret his gamble today.

AN: Yang Shaowei is an important character, and Song Shizhao has led a wolf into the house.

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev