It was not until the imperial examination six years ago that Lin Zheqi participated and emerged as the top scholar, that people became aware he was the direct descendant of the Lin family.
Now, the Lin household only had Lin Zheqi, with Butler Lin managing external affairs, Sister Lin handling internal matters, and four attendants—Le Ya, Le Fei, Le Xing, and Le Shui—along with the household physician Feng Yibai. Other than these, there were no others.
Lin Zheqi was naturally reticent and reserved, lacking the skill to forge social connections. With few social engagements, the outside world knew little about the Lin family.
At this moment, Butler Lin, looking up to Lin Zheqi in admiration, rushed into the study to find him reading at the table.
"Young Master, your foresight is divine. It was indeed Princess Chen who orchestrated this matter, but what terms did Wu Zhenglie agree to in order to bring back Wu Wenlan and quell the disturbance? Also, seeing Wu Zhenglie’s relieved expression, he must have already allied with Prince Chen and Princess Chen, which is really unfavorable for your grand ambitions, Lord."
Lin Zheqi heaved a silent sigh of relief, yet his face appeared somber and deep, "Beiyue is abundant in fine horses, Wind Copper, fragrant rice, and rare medicinal herbs. Princess Chen must have negotiated to increase Beiyue’s tribute."
"Princess Chen is indeed exceptional and blessed. It’s a pity..." Butler Lin sighed, "Prince Chen and her have quite the good fortune."
Lin Zheqi did not speak.
Truthfully, he found her to be astute and wise, with talented and capable people in various fields at her service. Under her rule, Dong Chu enjoyed peace and prosperity. Was it necessary, or rather, did anyone have the ability to unseat her from power?
"Young Master..."
Hearing Butler Lin’s call, Lin Zheqi came back to reality, and faced his puzzled butler to state indifferently, "We will keep our forces still, and only try to agitate Prince Duan and the others to test the waters, thereby diverting her attention."
"The Young Master speaks wisely," Butler Lin nodded. "I will immediately write to our Lord to inquire about his plans."
Dealing with her was already difficult, and now with the addition of Prince Chen and Princess Chen, they indeed could not afford to be rash, lest their efforts come to naught.
Despite feeling displeased, Lin Zheqi did not stop him.
Butler Lin, oblivious to Lin Zheqi’s thoughts, spoke to himself, "Fortunately, our Lord has been strategic, planting spies early on around the generals of several border passes. Even if things don’t turn out well in The Capital, controlling the border troops will still ensure our ultimate success."
"Does Grand Prince also have them?" Lin Zheqi felt an inexplicable sting in his heart.
Butler Lin nodded, "The Grand Prince possesses great military talent and staunchly defends her. Of course, our Lord would take special precautions."
"Would Father kill the Grand Prince?"
"Should the Grand Prince be willing to pledge allegiance to our Lord, he might be shown leniency. However, if the Grand Prince remains obstinate, he will have to be eliminated as a future threat, considering his formidable capabilities," Butler Lin said. Seeing Lin Zheqi’s expression darken, he counseled, "Young Master, although you share a scholarly bond, the Imperial Household has always been heartless, with no true father-son or brotherly bonds within the Royal family."
"No father-son or brotherly bonds?" Lin Zheqi gave a bitter smile.
He could not remember anything before the age of three. After that, he had been away from home, never having met his father, only receiving continual orders from him.
Sensing something amiss in Lin Zheqi’s tone, Butler Lin hurriedly advised, "Our Lord cherishes you the most and has high hopes for you. The Lord has said that you will inherit the family enterprise, and none of your brothers will contest it. Please, Young Master, do not overthink and hurt our Lord’s heart."
Waving his hand to dismiss Butler Lin, Lin Zheqi stood and walked to the window, gazing at the blooming Bauhinia flowers in the courtyard, his expression lost in thought.
Since childhood, he followed his father’s commands, enduring training of a brutal and bloody nature, not for the sake of inheriting the family estate, but longing to complete his mission quickly and return to his father and family, to experience the joy of togetherness, yearning for the feeling of home.
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