He quickly adjusted his attitude and said with a smile, "So it's Lord Wang, the Grand Secretary. May I ask what important matter you have with me, Lord Wang?"
Li Lin had heard of Neishi Teng's name.
It seems that he was the one who destroyed the Yan state in history, right?
As for which country it was, he had almost forgotten, but Nessten did destroy a country.
What's most surprising is that Neishi Teng wasn't a seasoned general on the battlefield; he was a civil official.
His official title was Zhisu Neishi, his given name was Teng, and his surname was Wang.
"Lord Li, this gentleman beside me is the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court!"
"Oh? Lord Zongzheng?"
"Haha, Li Zhongcheng is indeed a promising young man. I am Ying Lin, and I greet Li Zhongcheng!"
"Lord Ying, you're too kind!"
Immediately, Li Lin felt a little scared.
Those two old foxes.
They all seem to have very close ties with the Wang family, so why would they suddenly come looking for him?
And with that smiling face, it seems like he's trying to make friends.
"Haha, you young people are indeed full of vigor. Li Zhongcheng will be marrying the princess tomorrow, and now His Majesty has granted him the power to take charge of the Construction Bureau. His future is immeasurable. I wonder if Li Zhongcheng is free tonight to come to my old residence for a drink?"
Ying Lin, who was in his seventies or eighties, looked very old.
It was precisely because of his aged appearance that his words sounded so sincere.
In particular, those dull and lifeless eyes don't feel out of place when they look at you; in fact, they give off a sense of warmth.
"this......"
[It would be inappropriate to refuse the Zongzheng's invitation. Judging from the manner of these two old men, they intend to invest in me. In the short term, this would be extremely beneficial to my position in the court, but in the long run, if I accept the investment, I will be fundamentally bound to them in terms of interests. We will rise and fall together, and there will be no way to protect myself...]
[But if we disagree, these people will likely become enraged and turn into stumbling blocks on our future path. Those two old scoundrels really have no good intentions!]
His mind was already as clear as a mirror.
Unfortunately, he really doesn't have a good way to politely decline right now.
After all, in the face of power, no legitimate reason is of any use.
Unless someone with greater power comes to the rescue.
Otherwise, we'll have no choice but to bite the bullet and agree to their demands.
“Lord Li? Why are you so hesitant? If you don’t have time tonight, I can arrange it for tomorrow night.”
"Yes, Li Zhongcheng, don't be shy. I'm the same age as your grandfather, would we ever harm you? Don't worry, we're just having a simple meal to get to know each other, aren't we?"
[Hmph! Those two old foxes, their words are sweeter than their deeds! If I dare say even half a word of 'no,' they'll probably turn on me in the next second.]
"Li Zhongcheng, why are you standing here at the palace gate like an idiot?"
A fragrant breeze wafted over.
A beautiful figure appeared as the crimson skirt fluttered in the breeze.
[Wow! I'm saved! I never imagined that my future wife would be the one to help me out of this predicament. Oh my god, I'm so lucky to have married this princess!]
Upon hearing the sound coming from behind.
Li Lin's lips curled up slightly; he knew it was Princess Manyin's voice.
"Manyin, why did you leave the palace?"
A hint of nervousness appeared on Ying Lin's wrinkled old face, but he quickly covered it up with a hearty laugh.
He even deliberately stepped forward and asked the question first.
[What a cunning old fox! He strikes first, then is at a disadvantage. It seems the waters of the court are far too deep. I am still too young to grasp the situation. I must proceed with caution in the future, and never let His Majesty's slight favor cloud my judgment or make me blindly arrogant.]
"Ah? Uncle Lin, Uncle Teng, why are you all gathered at the palace gate? Has something happened?"
Man Yin smiled playfully at them.
Instead of answering their questions, she asked them in a rather sarcastic tone why they were standing at the palace gate.
This made the two old men slightly embarrassed.
And what about Li Lin?
His thick skin means it's not a problem.
Besides, he is Manyin's nominal husband, so there's nothing to worry about.
But these two elders...
no way.
Since Her Highness the Princess has already asked, what can they say?
Can you tell the truth?
cannot!
If this woman tells the First Emperor about this, what if he gets angry?
So the two of them cupped their hands in farewell and said, "Oh dear, we're old and our legs aren't very strong, so we walk slowly. Since Minister Li is here, you two can chat as you please. We old folks will take our leave now!"
"Uncle Lin, Uncle Neishiteng, please drive carefully!"
"Don't worry, Your Highness, we're in good health!"
Looking at the two white-haired, slightly hunched old men, their hurried and flustered appearance, Li Lin couldn't help but laugh.
"Li Zhongcheng, are you still laughing! Haven't you laughed enough?"
"Ahem, ahem, I apologize, Your Highness. I was a little out of line just now!"
"Hehehe, I've helped you, how do you plan to repay this princess?"
She smiled and winked, making Li Lin's face turn pale with embarrassment, and he was immediately at a loss for what to do...
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