BLHO Chapter 105

Chapter 105: We Haven’t Tried It in the Courtyard Yet

Princess Meng Ning paused, taken aback. After a moment, without rushing to defend herself, she asked, “Since you think so poorly of me, why did you dare come here alone?”

Lin Shuangxu remained silent.

Princess Meng Ning continued, “Right now, the He family army guarding inside and outside the palace are all your people, not mine. Even if I wanted to get rid of you, would I have the ability?”

Lin Shuangxu’s expression grew sterner. He said, “All land under heaven belongs to the emperor, and all people within the realm are his subjects. If one day you ascend the throne and constantly worry about your subjects being used by others, then your end will likely follow in the footsteps of Gu Huan.”

Gu Huan didn’t die from incompetence, but from suspecting loyal officials. The lesson of the past is right before her eyes, something Princess Meng Ning has personally experienced. If she can’t grasp this principle, she won’t be able to secure her reign.

“Constantly denying you’re my brother, yet you’re already lecturing me,” Princess Meng Ning retorted, unconvinced. “It was clearly you who suspected me first. Since you entered, I haven’t even mentioned the throne. You’re the one slandering me, saying I want to harm you. I haven’t done anything at all.”

“I’m just reminding you.”

“I thank you for the reminder.” Princess Meng Ning pouted. “After I woke up, the first person I was anxious to see was you. I originally had so much I wanted to say to you, but how can you be so cold and heartless?”

Lin Shuangxu, as heartless as she described, asked in a calm tone, “What did you want to say to me?”

“I don’t want to say it anymore.” Princess Meng Ning turned her face inward. “Since I was little, my father didn’t love me, and my mother didn’t care for me. I’m used to it. If you’re not my brother, then you’re not. Who cares about having a brother? It’s not like I’m starved for love.”

Lin Shuangxu was silent for a moment, then said, “Alright, then you should rest and take care of your health. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Princess Meng Ning quickly reached out to stop him. “Hey, don’t go!”

Lin Shuangxu stopped. “Is there something else?”

“Yes, something important. Sit down, and I’ll tell you.”

After a moment of consideration, Lin Shuangxu sat down on a chair nearby.

Princess Meng Ning straightened her expression and said, “I want to say that as the old dynasty is replaced, I need to change the members of the inner cabinet. I need someone to assist me.”

Lin Shuangxu listened attentively.

She continued, “Whom to appoint as the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet is a crucial decision.”

Lin Shuangxu nodded.

“What are your thoughts?” Princess Meng Ning asked him.

“You are the future emperor; this is not something you should be asking me.”

“In the entire court, apart from Shen Tan, I only trust you.”

Her meaning was clear: she wasn’t asking Lin Shuangxu whom to appoint, but wanted him to take on the role himself.

Lin Shuangxu calmly said, “The old system must be changed, but not with drastic measures. The inner cabinet is the foundation of a dynasty. Steady progress is the right path. Throughout history, official ranks have risen gradually, and the system is well-defined. There has never been a precedent for a commoner to ascend the phoenix platform and take over the reins of government.”

“If there’s no precedent, it doesn’t mean I can’t create one. Besides, you are the young master of the General’s Manor, commanding troops and protecting the ruler, with meritorious service in establishing the new dynasty. How can you be considered a commoner?”

“There’s no need to discuss this matter.” Lin Shuangxu stated firmly, “A mind filled with knowledge is not as valuable as a heart that cares for the people, and a heart that cares for the people is not as valuable as lofty aspirations. When you become the emperor, you must be like the east wind, helping those with ambition ascend to prominence.”

Lin Shuangxu had no interest in the court; power held no meaning for him.

Princess Meng Ning grew more curious. “So, what is it that you seek in this life? From the past to the future, do you only live for love?”

Apart from He Yuncheng, Princess Meng Ning couldn’t think of anything else Lin Shuangxu cared about.

She said, “I suddenly feel that we’re not alike after all. The Gu family blood couldn’t nurture someone as devoted to love as you. Or perhaps, you’re not like my mother, but only like him…”

“Princess.” Lin Shuangxu interrupted her. He was deeply private about his father and didn’t want anyone discussing him.

Princess Meng Ning understood and put a finger to her lips, making a gesture to be silent.

No longer mentioning the sealed past, she continued to discuss important matters with Lin Shuangxu. “If you’re unwilling to enter the court, it’s within my expectations. Actually, in my heart, there’s another candidate.”

“Who is it?”

“The son of the former Minister of Revenue, Song Lian, Song Jiting.”

Lin Shuangxu had guessed it was him, but based on his understanding of Princess Meng Ning, she wouldn’t readily trust him.

Princess Meng Ning said, “I previously promised him that if he joined forces with me this time and succeeded, I would grant him a high position and generous salary, second only to one.”

“And now, what are you worried about?”

Princess Meng Ning answered truthfully, “I can’t help but consider his entanglement with Li Yuliang.”

Lin Shuangxu didn’t respond.

Princess Meng Ning said, “Li Yuliang must die. Song Jiting said he wanted to do it himself. I’ve left the person to him. I want to see if, in the end, he’ll be willing to kill him.”

Others didn’t know much about the love and hatred between Li Yuliang and Song Jiting.

What others could see was that Li Yuliang had favored Song Jiting for many years. When his family fell into disgrace, he rescued him from the mud and carefully cherished and protected him. When his father was sentenced to be beheaded, he risked the crime of deceiving the emperor and secretly saved his father’s life.

Each of these things was an immense act of kindness.

Young Master Song didn’t seem like an ungrateful person.

Regarding these matters, Lin Shuangxu couldn’t offer too much comment. Whoever Princess Meng Ning wanted to use, she naturally had to follow her own criteria for consideration.

He said to Princess Meng Ning, “It’s your decision.”

Princess Meng Ning asked, “Are there any other recommendations?”

Lin Shuangxu said, “Xingzhi is a capable person.”

“Yes, I heard it from Shen Tan,” Princess Meng Ning said. “He saved He Yuncheng’s life. After meeting with you today, I will summon him to meet with me. I’ve heard that this immortal master is like a dragon, rarely seen, with extraordinary abilities. I wonder if he’s willing to serve me.”

“Since he has come out of the mountains, he must have recognized the appearance of a true dragon. How could he be unwilling to work with you?”

Princess Meng Ning smiled. “Are you saying that I am the true dragon chosen by Heaven?”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never believed in fate. If I want something, I just fight for it; I just snatch it.”

Lin Shuangxu chuckled, saying nothing more.

Princess Meng Ning lowered her voice slightly and asked, “Before Gu Huan died, besides that imperial edict, did he say anything else?”

“No.”

Princess Meng Ning raised an eyebrow. “It seems I underestimated him. I didn’t expect that he would choose to die with such dignity in the end.”

Gu Huan chose to end his own life rather than become a tool of traitorous officials.

That imperial edict was the decree of abdication that he refused to write no matter how much Princess Meng Ning pressured him on the night of her action.

He finally brought an end to the turmoil for the people of the world after reaching the end of his rope.

With this edict, Princess Meng Ning’s accession to the throne, no matter how much it deviated from the rules, was in accordance with the late emperor’s wishes, and no one dared to rise up in revolt.

–

Xingzhi was He Yuncheng’s savior, so Lin Shuangxu naturally had to treat him with the highest courtesy, housing him in the General’s Manor and serving him thoughtfully every day.

Of course, he also wanted to use this opportunity to learn more about his father’s life from Xingzhi.

However, the immortal master only stayed for half a month, and there were very few opportunities to spend time with them. His figure was rarely seen in the manor; he only occasionally returned to rest.

Lin Shuangxu guessed that he was disciplining his disciple, who had caused a great catastrophe, but it was unknown where exactly the Grand Astrologer was being held for punishment.

With the comfortable environment at home, He Yuncheng’s leg injury was recovering smoothly. After half a month of rest, he was able to walk with support.

On this day, the weather was clear and bright. Lin Shuangxu was helping He Yuncheng sunbathe in the courtyard. He Yuncheng could clearly walk on his own, but he still acted like a clingy dog, insisting on hanging on Lin Shuangxu.

Having a broken leg wasn’t without its advantages. Lin Shuangxu accompanied him day and night, never leaving his side. Such days were truly comfortable.

In the pavilion, Lin Shuangxu sat upright, pouring tea, while He Yuncheng leaned against him bonelessly, humming a little tune, with a flower bitten between his teeth.

Lin Shuangxu handed him the teacup, and he spat the flower to the side, using his mouth to receive the cup instead of his hands.

“Drink it yourself.”

“I’m injured. You feed me.”

Helpless, Lin Shuangxu turned and brought the tea to his lips. He Yuncheng took a sip and sighed, praising the tea.

Then he said, “The spring breeze is balmy, and the flowers are blooming. The scenery in this courtyard is so pleasant. Are we being a bit unromantic by just sitting here drinking tea?”

“Behave yourself,” Lin Shuangxu said, knowing what he meant and calmly rejecting him.

He Yuncheng looked innocent. “Don’t you want to?”

These past few days, for fear of affecting his recovery, Lin Shuangxu hadn’t been intimate with him except for the night he returned.

“My leg is already better.” He Yuncheng patted his knee and then raised it to move it around. “Look.”

“You don’t even have the strength to walk. How is it better?”

He Yuncheng propped his chin up and leaned in close. “Not having the strength to walk doesn’t mean I don’t have the strength to do other things. Trust me, you’ll definitely be satisfied.”

The sunlight was dazzling. Lin Shuangxu didn’t know how he could say such things in broad daylight and ignored him.

He Yuncheng didn’t give up and continued to pester him. “We haven’t tried it in the courtyard yet.”

Lin Shuangxu’s eyes widened. “He Yuncheng, don’t be crazy.”

People came and went in the courtyard, not only the servants of the house but also guests. Did he like making a spectacle of himself?

“I’m not crazy; I’m serious. How about trying it here once? Right on this stone table, you lie on top, and I’ll be behind you…”

“He Yuncheng, if you say another word, I’ll hit you.”