HLnovel Chapter 127 Lin You: "Don't try to provoke me. Such a simple tactic won't work on me.
Chapter 127 Lin You: "Don't try to provoke me. Such a simple tactic won't work on me.
Lin You said with a dark face, "A dead person appearing in a dream? Do you think I'm a god?"
"Hey! Don't be in such a hurry! Let me tell you the whole story before we talk in detail." Lin Shiming eagerly moved closer to Lin You. "It's a long story, you'll have to listen carefully."
"Then please don't say it." Lin You remained calm and composed, his refusal crisp and decisive. "I'm not curious, nor do I have the patience." As long as I don't listen, I won't know; as long as I don't know, then I don't need to care!
Lin Shiming, his words cut off, remained silent: "... ..."
What if I force you to tell me?
"Then you can wake up now."
Hmm—why are you playing by your own rules, just like me?
We've finally met our match!
Lin Shiming was temporarily at a disadvantage and paced back and forth in frustration. But he didn't give up. He raised his hand, scratched his head, thought carefully for a while, and then made a difficult decision.
"I'll give you a free gift with this story. If you listen, I'll also give you a glimpse into my daily life with my Crown Prince."
I'm really going all out for my mother!
Lin Shiming, suppressing his embarrassment, continued to add to the stakes, "And we also offer a question service. You ask me three questions, and I'll answer them."
Gossip, gossip, gossip! And it can even include some risqué content—real-life gossip!
Lin You was overjoyed and eager to try, but he remained calm on the surface. "Ten questions."
"Three!"
"Ten!"
"Three!!" Lin Shiming's eyes were practically murderous. I've already sold out my private gossip, and you're still trying to bargain with me?
The murderous aura was so intense that Lin You trembled slightly. He paused, then took the first step back, "Seven!"
"Five!" Lin Shiming's attitude was firm. "I've already made concessions for my mother's sake. If you push your luck any further, this deal is off the table!"
"No way!" Lin You exclaimed anxiously. He was itching to hear this gossip for years to come!
It's no longer a situation where Lin Shiming is begging Lin You; now it's Lin You who has no choice but to back down because of the gossip.
“Five it is then,” Lin You decided decisively. “But you’re not allowed to be vague about what I asked! I need all the truthful details! After all, you know I can tell if you’re lying!”
"...make a deal!"
*
After selling his soul, Lin Shiming finally succeeded in getting Lin You to listen to his story.
He recounted the entire saga of hatred and entanglement between Emperor Longyun, Empress Dowager Qin, Bai Qiongzhu, and Crown Prince Huamin, interspersing his words with various insults directed at Empress Dowager Qin, leaving Lin You speechless.
"...So that's how it is!" Lin Shiming said, his mouth dry. "I just wanted Crown Prince Hua Min to appear in my dream and persuade the Empress Dowager so that she would agree to my plan and live a few more days."
Bai Qiongzhu shouldn't have ended like this. Lin Shiming genuinely hoped she could live a long and healthy life and have a wonderful second half of her life.
Perhaps because Lin Shiming's words were so relatable, Lin You also felt a sense of empathy. However, he still had strong objections to Lin Shiming's demands.
“But Crown Prince Hua Min has been dead for five years. Where am I supposed to find someone for you?” Lin You flicked his sleeves and sat down heavily on the stone bench. “You’re really not being polite. You’ve even asked for this!”
Lin Shiming took a few steps over and sat down on another stone bench, coaxing, "I trust you! Look how powerful your spell is, I can see you just by silently reciting it, so this matter of Prince Hua Min must be easy for you too, right?"
"You are able to see me because before I died I sensed that my life's merits had been fulfilled and I could go to another world of cultivation. That's why I was able to make arrangements in advance and leave this contact information for you. It can also be considered an explanation for why you came from another world."
"Moreover, this method of communication can only be used three times. After this, no matter how many times you chant the incantation, I won't be able to hear it anymore. So I really can't help you with what you're asking me for. After all, not everyone can be like me, carrying memories for a lifetime."
"That Crown Prince Hua Min might have been reincarnated and forgotten his past life. Besides, even if I found him, he would only be a four-year-old child who doesn't understand anything. How could he possibly comfort your Empress mother-in-law?"
Lin You's words were earnest and reasonable, but Lin Shiming was not the kind of person who would back down as soon as he was rejected.
He had developed a thick skin from being scolded by Lin Shihe time and time again, and from constantly asking Lin Shihe for things. His main tactic was to be shameless and persistent until he got what he wanted.
Lin Shiming recalled his conversation with Lin You during their last meeting and then uncovered a major pain point for Lin You.
He snorted coldly and said disdainfully, "No matter how much you talk, you're still no good. Your professional ability is questionable."
Lin You: "... ..."
Lin You: "Don't try to provoke me. Such a simple tactic won't work on me."
"You just can't."
"I told you I wouldn't fall for that kind of trick!"
"You're simply no good," Lin Shiming said with even greater conviction. "Not only do I know you're no good, but I'm going to spread rumors everywhere! Lin You is an unqualified Taoist! His Taoist skills are the worst; he knows nothing!"
Lin You: "Shut up!!!"
Lin You's anger surged. For three lifetimes, some people had questioned his character, some had questioned his intelligence, but these were all trivial matters, and Lin You didn't take them to heart at all.
But no one has ever dared to question his Taoist teachings!
This is the ultimate humiliation for him!
He jumped to his feet, indignant and furious. "Who says I can't do it! It's just finding someone and having them appear in your dream, right? You wait! I'll make it happen!"
Ha! That works, doesn't it? Lin Shiming was secretly pleased with himself. He knew that this cunning little Taoist priest couldn't stand others questioning his Taoist magic.
The tactic of provocation is the most obvious and easily seen through. But if it were ineffective, how could it have been passed down for thousands of years and endured the test of time?
"How long do I have to wait?" Lin Shiming pressed his advantage. "You can't just agree to it on purpose to show off how capable you are, and then find an excuse to drag it out for a year or two, until my mother is gone, and then just lie to me like this, right?"
Lin Youren was furious.
"Don't worry!" Lin You gritted his teeth. "Ten days! Tomorrow, burn the names and birth dates of Crown Prince Hua Min and your Empress mother-in-law for me, and I'll find them within ten days! Let them catch up in their dreams!"
Wow! Look at that! Just a little pressure and you get everything, right?
"No problem, I'll definitely get it done!" Lin Shiming smiled brightly. "Looking forward to your good news!"
"Heh." Lin You chuckled mockingly, then decisively tossed his sleeve and turned to leave. "Wait for the letter!"
The scenery before my eyes became blurry and distorted again, and the dream ended.
In the distance, he suddenly heard Lin You angrily cursing.
"**! How could I forget about that? You little brat, you haven't told me any gossip or let me ask you any questions yet!"
Lin Shiming was overjoyed and even laughed out loud in his dream.
*
Just after dawn, the Eastern Palace quickly became lively. Amidst the rustling sounds, Lin Shiming, who was nestled in Lu Yuxi's arms, slowly opened his eyes.
Lu Yuxi was leaning against the headboard, quietly watching him by the flickering candlelight, her hand occasionally stroking Lin Shiming's hair.
Seeing that the person in her arms had finally woken up, Lu Yuxi raised a gentle smile and asked, "What sweet dream did you have last night? Why are you laughing?"
Lin Shiming didn't rush to answer. He yawned, stretched, snuggled into Lu Yuxi's arms, and then spoke slowly and with a smile.
"A once-in-a-lifetime dream! I'll tell you about it in a bit."
That's not a pipe dream!
Not only will they successfully achieve their goal, allowing Bai Qiongzhu to resolve her inner conflict and live for ten more years, but they also won't have to pay the price they've already agreed upon. How could anyone not be happy in their dreams about such a good thing!
Lin Shiming was overjoyed.
Lin Shiming knew from family records and the history of the dynasty that Lin You was like himself; he would always do what he promised, so he wasn't worried that the man would go back on his word.
Therefore, as long as he stops chanting that disgusting spell, he will never have to pay the price again!
Hahahaha!
Lin Shiming smugly drew circles on Lu Yuxi's nightgown with his finger again. This is not my fault! The little Taoist priest was so angry that he forgot to ask and just kicked him out of his dream.
Thank you for the bounty of nature!
Lin Shiming laughed again.
"Why are you laughing again?" Lu Yuxi grabbed Lin Shiming's mischievous fingers and took the opportunity to play with Lin Shiming's fair hands.
"Don't ask! I'll tell you later!"
Lin Shiming was in high spirits and had no interest in being intimate with Lu Yuxi. Without any hesitation, he withdrew his hand, stepped over Lu Yuxi, rolled off the bed, and began to dress efficiently.
"Get up quickly! I have important matters to arrange at the morning court today! After these important matters are resolved, I will give you double happiness!"
Lu Yuxi raised an eyebrow in surprise and slowly got up to get dressed.
"The important matter you mentioned, is it to request that Tingsong be made the Crown Prince?"
Lin Shiming's hands, which were putting on his clothes, suddenly stopped.
"How did you know?"
Lu Yuxi sighed, "...Have you forgotten that you used my name to send me a message, instructing them to present their memorials at the morning court session. How could I not know?"
This time it was embarrassing.
"Can't you just pretend you don't know?!" Lin Shiming, embarrassed, grabbed his nightgown and threw it at Lu Yuxi's face.
This is another instance of sophistry. Lu Yuxi helplessly caught the clothes Lin Shiming threw at her, slowly straightening them. "Okay, I don't know."
"That's more like it!" Lin Shiming snorted and swaggered out of the inner room.
*
"Your Majesty has arrived——"
"I will see you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Longyun sat down on the dragon throne, raised his hand and waved, "My beloved ministers, please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The ministers all rose to their feet.
Lin Shiming glanced back at the Minister of Personnel behind him, and Fang Shihai gave a cryptic nod.
What brings you here today?
Emperor Longyun inquired as usual, and Imperial Censor Wen Junping immediately stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Emperor Longyun nodded, "Speak."
"Your Majesty Prince Ping is impeached for harboring treacherous intentions and attempting to murder the Crown Prince!"
As soon as Wen Junping finished speaking, the entire court erupted in uproar.
Prince Ping hurriedly stepped forward, "Nonsense! How could I have intended to harm the eldest grandson of the emperor? You are framing me!"
Wen Junping did not back down in the slightest, "I have evidence."
What evidence did they come from?! King Ping suddenly had a bad feeling.
He carefully recalled the events of the past few days, which were all ordinary. It seemed that only the incident of Princess Ping entering the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager yesterday could be used as a pretext for making a fuss.
Could it be that the Empress Dowager and the Princess Consort did something? Prince Ping immediately became nervous.
"I heard that yesterday, Princess Ping entered the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. During her conversation, she even stated that the child in Princess Ping's womb was His Majesty's eldest grandson. However, everyone knows that His Highness Lu Tingsong, the posthumous son of Crown Prince Huamin, is the true eldest grandson."
"So Princess Ping refers to the unborn child in her womb in this way because she must have a plan to get rid of the Crown Prince. Only then can her child be called the Crown Prince."
Why did they have to say it out loud when they could have just kept those thoughts to themselves?
King Ping's anxiety finally died.
But he still wanted to fight back, so he retorted, "I wonder where this censor heard this news from the inner palace? It must be a misunderstanding. Tingsong is the Empress Dowager's descendant and also my own nephew. How could I possibly harm him?"
"Besides, my queen is just a woman. Where would she get the means and schemes to harm the eldest grandson of the emperor?"
Wen Junping was prepared. "Your Highness is right. I cannot disclose my source, but it is certainly legitimate and legal. If Your Majesty has any questions, I can answer them privately."
What the Crown Princess said is not legal!
"As for the misunderstanding, all the palace servants in the Empress Dowager's palace know about it and can testify to it. If Your Highness Prince Ping does not believe it, you can ask them yourself."
The Empress Dowager's palace is now filled with people arranged by the Crown Princess, so they naturally cooperate.
"Furthermore, it is true that Princess Consort Ping is a woman confined to the inner quarters, so her actions are likely influenced by the ideas of His Highness Prince Ping, who is in charge. Therefore, I am impeaching His Highness Prince Ping, not Princess Consort Ping!"
Well-reasoned and well-founded!
Lin Shiming smiled silently.
Prince Ping was speechless for a long time before finally saying, "You're just guessing! It was probably a slip of the tongue by the Empress Dowager and the Princess!"
"You can only say something if you've thought about it in your mind."
"If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext!" King Ping argued vehemently. "How can your thoughts be used as evidence?!"
“If we don’t speak out, we won’t know about Your Highness and…Empress Dowager’s ‘ambitions,’ and that naturally won’t be considered evidence. But once it’s spoken out, it’s different.”
Judging by actions, not intentions, and judging by intentions, it all comes down to where people's hearts lie and the inclinations of those with the final say.
Now, the one with the final say is Emperor Longyun, who is biased to the extreme towards the Crown Prince. How can he stand on Prince Ping's side?
"Your Majesty, please issue an edict to punish Prince Ping!"
Wen Junping knelt down to request the imperial decree, and many people immediately stepped forward, saying, "We second that request!"
King Ping closed his eyes, knowing he had lost another game.
“Father! The Princess Consort really just misspoke! She is carrying the eldest son or daughter of my family. She probably talked about it too much at home and forgot about the eldest grandson of the Emperor, so she made a mistake.”
"Please, Your Majesty, understand! Your son has absolutely no intention of harming the eldest grandson!"
Prince Ping knelt heavily and kowtowed deeply. Emperor Longyun, seated on the dragon throne, remained unmoved.
Whether it exists or not is unimportant.
The important thing is that I want to weaken your power and deal with you.
Whether it is or not, you know it in your heart.
Prince Ping looked up abruptly, staring at Emperor Longyun in disbelief.
"While there's no smoke without fire, there's no concrete evidence. You shall return to your residence and be confined for a month to reflect on your actions." Emperor Longyun easily decided on the outcome. "As for Princess Ping, she should avoid any appearance of impropriety. She need not enter the palace again."