In the distance, Su Nanqiao’s steps halted for a moment. She had heard Lin Ce’s words, and a trace of warmth rose in her heart. However, the busy street was filled with people, and many turned to look at them, which only made her more embarrassed.
“You bastard! Who said I’d marry you?! You should worry about fulfilling my father’s conditions first!” Su Nanqiao shouted, drawing Qi from her dantian to project her voice, then turned and ran off without looking back.
Seeing this, Lin Ce smiled slightly. With the experience from his previous life, many things were easier this time around. His next step was to visit his second uncle, Li Jingchun—an essential part of his plan. Even without relying on the Duke of the Empire, he could still earn a fifth-rank position.
Just then, a horse-drawn carriage sped over and stopped in front of the Duke of the Empire’s residence. Qin Shizhong jumped out and cursed as he walked.
“Damn it all! A bunch of fools who know nothing about war! How can we cut supplies to the Border Army?! If we reduce their rations, how the hell are we supposed to beat the northern barbarians? Armchair strategists! Idiots!”
After venting his anger, Qin Shizhong spotted Lin Ce and immediately changed his expression to a beaming smile. “My good nephew, why are you here? Come, come, have a drink with me. I need to blow off some steam.”
Lin Ce narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile, “Is war breaking out in the north again?”
“Not exactly,” Qin Shizhong shook his head, unconcerned with leaking state secrets. He said directly, “It’s your second uncle. He proposed cutting military rations for the Border Army, claiming they’re overstaffed and draining the imperial treasury.”
“Oh right, you’re heading to see Li Jingchun, aren’t you? Hoping he’ll arrange a post for you?”
“Forget it. That old mule is as stubborn as they come. He might not even agree to meet you. His Majesty also said today that there are doubts about the Old Grain Transport Case and wants to launch a new investigation…”
At this point, Qin Shizhong abruptly stopped. The Old Grain Transport Case was the very scandal that had toppled Lin Huairui, and Lin Ce was Lin Huairui’s grandson. Speaking of it in front of him was clearly inappropriate. Qin Shizhong patted Lin Ce’s shoulder with a meaningful look in his eyes, filled with regret.
“Kid, if you don’t mind, I can get you a position. It’ll be far more reliable than anything from Li Jingchun.”
“How did things go at Su Zhang’s place today? That old man sides with Li Jingchun. I bet he gave you trouble. Did he agree to the marriage? If not, I’ll go settle it myself!”
Qin Shizhong spoke with dominating force. As the Duke of the Empire, he had clawed his way up from the battlefield, which made his speech and conduct unusually blunt.
While Lin Ce was still lost in thought, Xu Rong quickly recounted everything that had happened at the Su residence today. Upon hearing that Su Zhang’s condition was for Lin Ce to attain a fifth-rank position, Qin Shizhong immediately burst out laughing.
“That old fox is sharp, alright. I bet he’s just testing my stance on you. Don’t worry, I’ll pull some strings tomorrow and get you a fifth-rank officer title—easy as pie!” Qin Shizhong pounded his chest as a guarantee. Read this novel at novelping.com for the best experience.
His connections ran deep in the Ministry of War. As long as he said the word, a fifth-rank officer title was easy. A fourth-rank position was also doable. For a third-rank, Lin Ce would need to prove himself. As for second or first rank—those were out of reach, even for the Duke of the Empire.
Lin Ce snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head bitterly. “Thank you, Uncle, but with this body of mine, becoming a military officer would only make me a laughingstock. It would bring shame to you as well.”
Qin Shizhong was stunned, and as he recalled Lin Ce’s condition, his expression turned apologetic. Lin Ce suffered from Frost Marrow Tribulation, which caused him excruciating pain every full moon. With a body like that, he’d likely die on horseback before leading troops.
“I wasn’t thinking straight. But don’t worry, I’ve got friends in the civil departments too. If Li Jingchun won’t help you, I will!” Qin Shizhong had made up his mind. He owed Lin Ce’s family too much and had to repay the favor.
“Much appreciated.” Lin Ce didn’t directly refuse. Having Qin Shizhong as a backer was certainly a blessing. Still, he had to go see Li Jingchun.
He had to get into Imperial Library Pavilion—his first enemy was there.
…
The next day, Li’er finished packing with a troubled expression and followed Lin Ce to bid farewell to Qin Shizhong. Although the Duke of the Empire was reluctant, he could only let Lin Ce go.
In Bianjing, aside from the Emperor, the city once belonged to the Lin family. No matter where Lin Ce went, he wouldn’t be without support.
“Young Master, why aren’t we staying at the Duke of the Empire’s residence? He treats us well. He could easily support us for a lifetime.” Li’er pouted, her braided hair swinging as she spoke, her pretty face full of confusion.
She couldn’t understand it, and Lin Ce didn’t bother explaining.
At that moment, Lin Ce looked calmly at the bustling crowd in the street. “Being watched again,” he thought to himself.
Yesterday, even the sugar-coated hawker was from the Border Army—likely sent by the Marquis of the North. And now, even more were hidden in the crowd.
Though Lin Huairui had retired to Yuzhou, a dead camel was still bigger than a horse. The officials who had vehemently denounced Lin Huairui back then naturally couldn’t tolerate Lin Ce’s return. No one knew why he had come back to Bianjing.
The carriage rocked gently as Xu Rong personally drove it to the Li residence.
Grand Academician of Imperial Library Pavilion, Li Jingchun, was Lin Ce’s second uncle—his mother’s older brother—and one of the Emperor’s most trusted officials. He stayed close to the Emperor year-round, often assisting in imperial matters. Even imperial edicts usually went through Li Jingchun. Read this novel at NovelPing for the best experience.
With such favor from the throne, Li Jingchun’s status was incredibly high.
However, he was known for his rigid nature—unbending and tactless. Even the Emperor had reportedly cursed him out on occasion.
Facing such a man, Lin Ce had no confidence he’d be able to persuade him. But he had to. He needed Li Jingchun’s help to enter Imperial Library Pavilion.
“Young Master Lin, I’ll wait here. If Lord Li doesn’t take you in, I can always bring you back to the Duke’s residence,” Xu Rong said with an awkward smile. Even he didn’t believe Lin Ce would be accepted at the Li residence.
This Lord Li was famous for being incorruptible and refusing personal favors. Even when Lin Huairui was in power, he had drawn a clear line from the Lin family—acting like a loyal servant of the court.
“No need. Steward Xu, please head back. I’ve come here to return home,” Lin Ce said with a smile.
At that moment, the doors of the Li residence swung open, and a middle-aged man with a rat-like face came out. His appearance was narrow and mean, and his beady eyes darted back and forth between Lin Ce and Li’er.
“Where’d you beggars come from? Get lost, don’t dirty the gate of the Li family!”
Before Lin Ce could respond, Li’er couldn’t hold it in any longer. She put her hands on her hips and snapped, “Open your dog eyes and look clearly! This is the grandson of Prime Minister Lin and the nephew of your master! We’re here to see Lord Li! Who the hell are you to bark like that?!”
Even after scolding him, Li’er still felt unsatisfied and was about to go on when a woman stepped out from the door.
“Oh my, if it isn’t Lin Ce.”
A noblewoman emerged, cradling a speckled snow mink in her arms. She was dressed delicately, but on closer inspection, all her accessories were outdated pieces.
This woman was Lin Ce’s aunt by marriage.