novelraw Chapter 759 - 738: Raid
Chapter 759 - 738: Raid
Lin Helin said earnestly, "Zhixu is deeply loyal and righteous, but how much of that loyalty remained when the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion faced calamity and the Lin Family stood by indifferently? You know this clearly in your heart. Zhixu never spoke harshly, but after ascending the throne, when did he inquire about the Lin Family’s affairs? When did Ting Feng visit the Lin Family? Once, when they returned from the battlefield, the three brothers would always visit and stay at the Lin Family for a few days. But the closeness between them has long shifted. During their darkest times, it was Fengyu who stood by them unwaveringly and accompanied them all the way, and it was the Su Family that exhausted their financial resources to help. Zhixu would never betray the Empress. Even setting aside sentiment, Minister Gong from the Ministry of Revenue frequently visits the Empress. Any clear-eyed person can see that the state treasury is under her control. She governs, holding the financial power of the kingdom. Zhixu could never afford to offend her. Of course, why does she wield such immense power? It is because Zhixu allowed it. And why did Zhixu allow it? Because the Empress came from a humble background, with her brothers holding low-ranking official positions. Fearing that the aristocratic clans would make things difficult for her, the Emperor used his authority as a shield behind her, granting her power deliberately to intimidate the clans. This made it clear to everyone that she is a true Empress with real authority. This was to give the Empress peace of mind and to make it known to the clans that the harem was solely regulated by her. If she disapproves, no one else can enter the palace. The court ministers see it clearly. Even if they wished for Zhixu to open up the harem, they wouldn’t dare to easily offend the Empress. Offending her would destabilize the finances, impacting the livelihood of the people. The entire Ministry of Revenue is practically devoted to the Empress, not wanting a repeat of past struggles when the former court lacked both money and resources. As long as the Emperor produces an heir, no one cares how many women he has in his inner palace. A powerful Empress is far more important than some aristocratic woman wanting to enter the palace. The Empress possesses a firm and resolute character; if not for Zhixu’s indulgence, excessive firmness could lead to her downfall. But with Zhixu’s protection, she can live as she pleases. Yunong won’t be able to enter the palace. Mother, remember to tell her that in the future, she must show respect to the Empress when they meet, receive her gifts politely, and avoid stirring unnecessary gossip."
Madam Lin understood Lin Helin’s analysis of the current situation, but she still held onto a sliver of hope. "Mother heard that the Empress’s health is frail and that she struggles to conceive. If Zhixu remains heirless, would he truly remain unconcerned?"
"Ruyi is being raised within the palace. Mother still doesn’t understand? Zhixu has already made preparations. Ruyi is being personally taught by Zhixu and Ting Feng. If Zhixu lacks an heir, Ruyi will be named the Crown Prince."
"This is outrageous!" Madam Lin, a staunch advocate for traditional clan values, found it hard to accept the casual approach to succession, though this did not mean she underestimated Ruyi. "The Xie family line is already sparse, how could Zhixu have no descendants? This is a matter of state, not merely family."
"Even if it is a matter of state, the Emperor and Empress have only recently married. No one will criticize the Empress for being childless within three years. Can Yunong afford to wait three years for nothing? If she stirs up any scandal during this time, and uses public opinion to pressure Zhixu, he may completely lose the last shred of sentiment he has for the Lin Family. Even disregarding imperial favor, my son doesn’t wish for Yunong to enter the palace. Zhixu’s heart is wholly devoted to the Empress, leaving no room for Yunong. Marrying Zhixu would only cause her to waste away in the palace. Why persist?" Lin Helin remained rational, though his tone was cold. "Love is but a trivial matter in life. When present, it embellishes; when absent, it holds no consequence. There’s no need to force it. Mother and Aunt should both counsel Yunong—she must not remain stubborn!"
"You know she has been strong-willed and competitive since childhood, always having her way. Mother has long tried to reason with her, but it hasn’t worked." Madam Lin sighed helplessly.
"That’s because she’s had life too easy, eating well and living well. If she remains stubborn, send her to the manor. Don’t have servants care for her—let her fend for herself for a few months. Without the Lin Family’s protection, how many days could she survive outside? She can’t understand this simple truth, focusing only on love. It’ll only lead to trouble one day. Please warn her, Mother—if she repeats the incident on the archery grounds, I will personally teach her how to behave." Lin Helin’s impatience showed. He had always despised sentimental men and women trapped in illusions of love and disliked those who besmirched the family’s reputation for personal desires—even if it was his own sister, she would be no exception.
Lin Helin urged Madam Lin and the Second Mrs. Lin to quickly finalize Lin Yunong’s marriage. "Zhixu brought up Yunong’s marriage today, which must have been prompted by the Empress noticing something. Otherwise, Zhixu wouldn’t care about such trivial matters. If he has made a point of mentioning it, we should act wisely."
"Understood!" Madam Lin sighed deeply. She too was deeply concerned about the family’s future. Though the Lin Family remained the foremost clan, its standing was no longer what it was in the previous dynasty. Xie Xun trusted Lin Helin but kept his two uncles away from key positions. Indeed, he appeared to be intentionally sending a message that the Lin Family would ultimately be led by Lin Helin. Lin Hongyuan and Lin Hongcheng had already retreated from the spotlight.
The Lin Family could not have three generations of father, son, and nephews all holding high-ranking positions in the court. For Lin Helin to rise, the elder members of the family had to step aside. Otherwise, Lin Helin would have to climb the ranks slowly.
Yet Xie Xun believed Lin Helin’s abilities far surpassed those of his uncles, refusing to let him remain idle. Thus, the uncles had to withdraw.
Prince Yan Mansion.
Xie Jue had just returned to his residence when Ying Er reported, "My lord, Fang Chuning is waiting for you in the study."
"Understood!" Xie Jue replied. He had just discussed matters regarding the priest with Prince Jingbei and others. The High Priest’s stance had softened, and Xie Jue was also willing to compromise, granting them greater authority as long as they didn’t cross the line. On this point, both he and Xie Xun were willing to indulge.
Fang Chuning’s visit was likely regarding the envoy mission.
The study was engulfed in darkness. Xie Jue squinted and asked Ying Er by his side, "Why haven’t you lit the lamps?"
"He said he was tired and resting for a moment, so there’s no need for light."
Xie Jue stepped forward slowly but then paused. He instructed indifferently, "You’re all tired as well; there’s no need to guard the study. Go and rest."
"My lord, but we..."
"Go rest!" Xie Jue’s tone was firm, signaling he didn’t wish anyone to remain near the study.
"Understood!" The shadow guards dared not disobey and quickly vanished from the area. Though they didn’t approach the study, they remained stationed around it—not close enough to pick up sounds from within but not far enough to be out of Xie Jue’s sight.
Xie Jue pushed open the door to the study, met by pitch-black darkness. He had just entered and was about to close the door when a force suddenly clasped his waist. As the door shut with a thud, he was roughly pressed against it. Catching a familiar scent, a dark figure moved in, and warm lips immediately captured his.