Take back a move
On a warm and pleasant summer afternoon, amidst the sparse bamboo shadows, freshly brewed tea bubbled and steamed on the stove, filling the air with its delicate aroma.
Lin Xu held a cup of freshly cooled hot tea in her hands, her slender fingers gently turning the teacup. She lowered her head and took a small sip, then looked up and saw her father's delighted expression behind the rising steam.
Lin Xu couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Ever since the results of the imperial examinations were announced, his father had been like this for the past few days; he rarely showed such an expression on his face.
She was well aware that her father was a pillar of the court, who for many years did not excel in political maneuvering, was incorruptible and honest, and had won widespread praise. His only flaw was that he cherished talent to the point of being almost obsessive.
This, perhaps, was also his fatal weakness—if he hadn't strongly dissuaded Lin Fu that day, Lin Fu would probably have already used his old connections or tried every other means to interfere in the imperial examinations. And all of this was simply to prevent the so-called rare genius Xu Yanqing from being buried. As for whether the karma of his past life was related to his father's insistence, Lin Xu no longer wanted to delve into it.
Xu Yanqing's passing the imperial examination this time will not only change his own fate, but also perhaps the fate of the Lin family, which consisted of more than a hundred people in his previous life.
Sure enough, Lin Fu slowly sipped his tea, but the glint in his eyes was hard to hide. He couldn't help but bring up the list of high school graduates this year.
"...Fortunately, Grand Secretary Fu Sheng was still discerning and did not let his outstanding personality bury his life. This person is very talented, and I think he will eventually make great achievements in the court. I just don't know where he will be transferred."
Xu Yanqing is no longer the same as before; he has now achieved the top three honors and is a highly sought-after third-place finisher.
This time, both the top two scholars came from scholarly families, each possessing exceptional talent and impeccable manners—a result not unlike what Lin Xu remembered from his previous life. The only exception was the third-place finisher, which was the only surprise of this year's imperial examination. It ultimately went to the eccentric Xu Yanqing. Lin Xu could even imagine the scholars arguing endlessly over Xu Yanqing's paper during the examination. His father, upon first learning the news, was overjoyed, beaming with delight for an entire day.
Becoming a newly appointed official, a leap forward in their careers, is naturally the most triumphant moment for students who have studied diligently for over a decade. While these individuals may not cause significant changes in the court at present, they should not be underestimated in the future. It is said that the street where Xu Yanqing lives, and his leaky old house, are almost trampled underfoot by the throngs of people flocking to him.
Another strange thing that happened after the results were announced was that Dou Tonghan, who was originally of mediocre talent, actually passed the imperial examination with high honors and became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations). Lin Xu didn't remember the specific list of Jinshi from his previous life, but given Dou Tonghan's talent, this was truly an unexpected surprise. Although the Dou family had been destroyed in the fire, he was able to get a minor official position because of this, and he would definitely not return to Saibei afterward.
Lin Xu was lost in thought when he took a sip of tea with a nonchalant expression. When he looked up, he saw several figures slowly walking towards him from among the flowers in the distance.
Leading the group were Gao Youyi and Lan Yue. Since they were just staying at home, their makeup was minimal, which only made them appear more approachable and beautiful. Beside them were several maids and nannies, as well as two chattering, neatly dressed children, Rong Ge'er and Qing Ge'er.
Rong-ge'er will be three years old in the blink of an eye. He is dressed in a moon-white silk robe and is imitating the adults by holding his head high, looking very proud. Behind him is two-year-old Qing-ge'er, who has already learned to walk. He is wearing a little bib embroidered with auspicious patterns and is chasing after his older brother with his short legs. Before he even gets close, he is already calling out "Sister" in his childish voice.
Lin Xu's heart softened a little; the little guy was calling her.
The summer sun shone through the bamboo curtains between the painted beams and carved pillars, casting a rosy glow on their fair faces. Their hair, damp with sweat, clung to their cheeks, instantly filling the entire courtyard with life.
Qingge quickly walked into the courtyard, still keeping a straight face and respectfully bowing to his father. Rongge, however, had already rushed straight into Lin Xu's arms, wrapping his arms around Lin Xu's neck and repeatedly shouting, "I want my sister to hold me!"
During her short stay at home, she quickly became friends with her two younger brothers, whom she rarely saw before. Lin Xu playfully pinched Rong Ge'er's smooth cheek and then lovingly hugged him into her arms.
The dignified Gao Youyi glanced at Qing Ge'er, who was grinning from ear to ear, and said helplessly, "He's always so unruly! He's such a clingy person. Why doesn't he learn from your brother Rong?"
Lin Xu and Gao Youyi have always been close, and Lin Xu couldn't help but laugh and say, "Children are at their cutest and most interesting age."
After speaking, she glanced at Lan Yue, who was following behind Gao Youyi with a gentle smile. Lan Yue still possessed the same gentle and serene demeanor as before, even more so than when she was still of humble birth. Truly, nobility nurtures a person. She had heard that Lan Yue and Gao Youyi had a harmonious relationship over the years, and that Lan Yue always helped with household chores, handling everything meticulously and diligently. Both Lin Fu and Gao Youyi were very satisfied with her. Even Rong Ge'er, the child, showed no resemblance to Qi Shuang'er from years past; on the contrary, she had raised him very well.
Lin Xu was naturally very happy. She was glad that she had chosen the right person and had not made a mistake in her judgment.
After paying his respects to his father, Qingge looked up at Lin Xu with curiosity and asked in a low voice, "Sister, where is Mianxue?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Youyi waved her hand helplessly, "Look, Mianxue has only been asleep for a short while, and these two boys are already thinking about her again."
Mianxue was adored by everyone. Although she was just a tiny infant, Lin Fu and Gao Youyi would hold her and cuddle her for a long time every day. Even Qingge'er and Rongge'er, the two children, were very fond of Mianxue, mentioning her several times a day. Gao Youyi even went to great lengths to correct them, saying that Mianxue wasn't their sister, but their niece.
“…Although you are free now, you always come and go in a hurry. It’s very difficult to see you and Mianxue.” Gao Youyi frowned and said, “Why don’t you stay at our house this time and not leave again?”
Lin Xu felt a pang of sadness, especially when she saw Lin Fu's increasingly gray hair under the bright sun. She truly loved Gao Youyi.
But right now, the Empress's revenge for her mother's murder is still unavenged, and she hasn't yet helped Kunrou complete her grand ambitions. Anyone close to her will inevitably be implicated in the future. Her enemy is the Empress, and she has long since secretly vowed that she will never involve her family in this before she has completely avenged herself.
Seeing that Lin Xu remained silent, Lin Fu could easily see the difficulty in her eyes. He couldn't help but sigh and slowly stood up.
He stood with his hands behind his back, watching the bamboo shadows flutter in the garden, leaving only a slightly hunched figure. "When you were little, you always had this expression on your face whenever you couldn't get the food you wanted. Other children would have already started crying loudly, but you would always be quiet. So your mother and I were always afraid that we hadn't noticed your emotions and had neglected you..."
"Over the years, you have been unruly and wasted your time, but now you are becoming more and more courageous and resourceful, no less than any man in the world. Ever since you remonstrated with the emperor last time, your father has felt remorse in his heart. If only your father had discovered your courage sooner. So, do whatever you want. Your father will not blame you."
Lin Xu let the tears silently slide down her cheeks, and the tea in her hand rippled uncontrollably. When did her father start to age so visibly? When did his back begin to hunch? She knew nothing... Yet, no matter how willful she was or how unconventional her behavior was, her father never tried to stop her.
This time, she would not back down.
No matter how treacherous the road ahead, whether it leads to light or darkness, she will not retreat another step. She has already made thorough preparations.
.
After the July birthday celebrations, the beginning of autumn is just around the corner, and the sun is getting cooler day by day.
Lin Xu died on this day in her previous life. Even though she had already planned not to celebrate her birthday in this life, Liao Yan's military achievements were remarkable, her princess mansion had just been completed, and Lin Xu was now living next to her. How could she possibly have a say in this matter?
Liao Yan not only ordered her subordinates to make lavish preparations, but also held a three-day banquet, inviting every prominent family and nobleman in Dayu. Lin Xu was so exhausted that she didn't even have the energy to smile and fawn over the guests. Furthermore, since Liao Yan was now the first princess in the dynasty to hold military power, even the former Princess He and the Eldest Princess, who wielded immense power in their youth, never received such an honor. Therefore, many people dared not be negligent because of Lin Xu's good relationship with Liao Yan, and the gifts they sent were all extremely valuable. This made it difficult for Zhu Ling and Rong Wei, who spent almost half a month compiling the gift list.
"Your Qi is truly improving more and more these days."
Liao Yan curled her lips into a smile, then calmly picked up a white piece and placed it on the chessboard, her entire being almost hidden in the afterglow of the half-burnt lamp in the room.
A gentle smile appeared on Lin Xu's lips. "The way of chess is nothing more than practice makes perfect. It's thanks to being able to sit at the table with the princess that I've been able to learn so quickly."
She stroked the black piece in her hand for a long time before gently placing it. The piece clicked into place, cutting off the white piece's path to survival, which had already gained the upper hand. Liao Yan's face, mostly hidden in the light and shadow, was instantly freed from drowsiness. She smiled and said, "So you were waiting to checkmate me here."
Ever since Princess Kunrou's residence was completed, Liao Yan gifted Lin Xu a house right next door. Now the two are truly close neighbors, which not only relieves Liao Yan of worries about Lin Xu's safety but also makes it convenient for them to discuss matters late at night. As time went on, Lin Xu, being a thoughtful person, quickly developed an exceptional skill in chess.
"I dare not, but if it were Prime Minister Zhao, he would probably already be determined to kill the princess without leaving a single survivor."
Liao Yan sneered upon hearing this, "It's more than just making a decision. Does that old man really think I don't know that all the impeachments against me these past few days were secretly instructed by him?"
She took a sip of the tea that had gone cold on the table, shifted to a more comfortable sitting position, and said, "Ever since the Dou family fell, I don't know how happy Zhao Xiang is behind the scenes. Not only did he arrange for his protégé Zhang Dechang to go to the Ministry of Personnel, but now he also wants to interfere in the affairs of the Ministry of War. Do you think I can let him get his way so easily? No wonder Uncle Mao Qinqin is at odds with him."
The former Vice Minister of War retired last month due to illness, and his future appointment has been uncertain due to the upcoming imperial examinations. Rumors are now rife about Zhao Qiang and He Qijiang as potential replacements. He Qijiang is a former subordinate of Prince Mao, with a distinguished military record, but he has been recuperating from old injuries for the past year and his condition is not good. Zhao Qiang, although less experienced as commander-in-chief, is known for his forthright and honest character, and his subordinates are very loyal.
Although the two were vying for the position, they both had a close, almost life-or-death relationship with Liao Yan. Therefore, whichever of the two was chosen would be very disadvantageous to Zhao Xiang, who had always suppressed military generals. That is why he strongly recommended Wei Kaiji, the heir of the Prince of Gong, who had no experience in commanding troops, to take up the position. Naturally, Liao Yan was very dissatisfied with this.
"...I was quite saddened that Dou Zhen married into such a family, but I never expected that she would actually agree to it. Wei Kaiji is nothing but a pretty face, yet he can gain favor with Prince Gong and hold military power in his hands. Prime Minister Zhao is truly a shrewd and calculating man."
Lin Xu listened quietly, a sharp glint in her eyes. After a long while, she said softly, "What if things have to end here now?"
"The victory is already secured, are we just going to give up halfway?"
Liao Yan looked puzzled.
"It's not about giving up halfway; once a move is made, there should be no regrets. But what if we need a different opponent?"
Lin Xu fiddled with the few remaining black beans in the basket beside him, making a soft, crisp sound. The cunning glint in his eyes grew brighter, almost dazzling Liao Yan.
"There's no need to fight for the position of Vice Minister of War anymore. Let's just present it as a generous gift to the Crown Prince... Prime Minister Zhao has always been adept at leveraging favorable circumstances, and I'm afraid he's been waiting for this for a long time..."
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