A woman like Zhang Li, even if taken by force, could only be possessed physically, not win her loyalty.
With Lin Zhen’s status, he could have any woman he desired. There was no need to waste such a valuable talent just for her beauty.
In the original plot, Zhang Li’s abilities were outstanding and unquestionable.
The casino, brothel, teahouse, and other industries she managed collected intelligence and all sorts of civilian anecdotes throughout the entire Great Qian Nation, crowning Gu Beichen’s path to domination and ultimately helping him become ruler of the world.
More importantly, she devoted her entire heart to Gu Beichen, even though he wouldn’t look at her for years.
Such a woman should belong to the strongest man. And Lin Zhen, who saw himself as the strongest man, naturally had no reason to let her go.
…
The Regent’s Mansion was enormous, comparable to Prince Gong’s Mansion. Every family member had their own separate courtyard.
Lin Zhen walked slowly along the stone path, pondering how to win over Zhang Li, and soon arrived at Lin Zhenxian’s private courtyard.
Just after passing through the moon gate, he saw Liu Shuyao in white kneeling outside.
Lin Zhenxian’s personal guard, Lin Dana, stood like a statue at the gate, showing no expression toward her.
“Young Master!”
Lin Dana greeted him. Liu Shuyao turned her tearful face, sobbing, “Lin… husband, please help persuade grandfather. He’s very angry.”
For some reason, Lin Zhen felt no sympathy toward the weeping Liu Shuyao, only disgust.
She wanted to be with Gu Beichen but didn’t want her family to suffer.
And now, she still refused to accept punishment.
Calling her a green tea b*tch wouldn’t be accurate—her tricks weren’t clever enough.
Calling her devoted to love? Then what about all the affection Lin Zhen once gave her?
In short, she was a woman who only cared for Gu Beichen and ignored Lin Zhen completely.
But for Lin Zhen, she was still useful in dealing with Gu Beichen.
So Lin Zhen didn’t show his disgust and instead spoke in a tone that could deceive anyone.
“Shuyao, you know I love you. But when grandfather is angry, no one can persuade him. You should just kneel here properly. I guess by this time tomorrow, you’ll pass out. Once you faint, it won’t hurt anymore.”
Liu Shuyao never imagined such words could come from Lin Zhen.
“You… husband, was all your affection for me fake? You said you’d do anything for me!”
“Of course, it’s true!” Lin Zhen said as if it was only natural. “But whether I can do it or not is another matter.”
After speaking, Lin Zhen walked away, not bothering to talk further to this venomous woman.
Lin Zhen, “?”
“Amazing at what?”
“Heh, the butler reported as soon as you entered the mansion that you brought back a woman from the streets. The old master isn’t angry because the young madam privately met Gu Beichen. It’s because of you!”
“Huh?”
This news spread too fast, didn’t it?
It hadn’t even been the time to drink a cup of tea.
Lin Zhen shook his head helplessly.
As expected, entertainment was scarce in ancient times, and people had to rely on gossip for fun.
“It’s not as dirty as you think. Just do your duty.” After saying that, Lin Zhen pushed the door open and entered.
The bedroom was large. Lin Zhenxian was standing by the sand table in the west wing, leaning on its edge, deep in thought.
This was what he did every day.
Lin Zhen knew that this old man’s lifelong wish was to reclaim lost lands and restore the glory of Great Qian Nation. But with the country’s weakness, there was no chance, and they could only passively endure attacks.
It was laughable that the female emperor, Gu Yunting, and the others even schemed against this loyal old man.
Did they not know that without Lin Zhenxian, Great Qian Nation would have been annexed long ago, and there would be no today?
But then again, the plot was designed this way. Everyone was just a stepping stone for Gu Beichen to gain experience.
Lin Zhen walked up and greeted, “Grandfather.”
“Back already?”
“Yes.”
“Zhen’er, come and see, what’s that?”
Lin Zhenxian pointed at a large mountain on the sand table with a bamboo pole. Lin Zhen glanced at it and couldn’t help but smile.
Wasn’t that the place where he first served at the grassroots level?
“Taihang Mountains.”
“Correct, the Taihang Mountains! Grandfather’s lifelong wish is to retake the Taihang Nine Prefectures that rightfully belong to our Great Qian Nation!”
“Alas!” Lin Zhenxian looked up and sighed. “The nation is weak, and I am over sixty. The Lin family has no worthy successors. Our Great Qian Nation is doomed to be swallowed by other countries…” This chapter is updated first at NovelPing.
Looking at the sorrowful old man, Lin Zhen felt a little pity.
“Grandfather, as long as I’m here, Great Qian Nation will not be swallowed.”
“Nonsense!” Lin Zhenxian roared, snapping the bamboo pole and throwing it aside.
“With your conduct, what can you do for national affairs? You’re already over twenty, yet you have no ambition, indulging yourself in pleasure. And today, you even brought back a woman from the streets! What are you thinking? Planning to make her the Regent’s Mansion’s madam?”
Lin Zhen knew this was the time he absolutely couldn’t confront the old man; otherwise, he would suffer badly. He immediately knelt down.
In ancient times, people were educated under Confucianism, valuing filial piety above all virtues. To argue with elders could get you beaten to death without the authorities intervening.
“Grandfather, please listen to your grandson. Things are not as you imagine.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Zhenxian suddenly felt something was off.
In the past, whenever he lost his temper, this brat would tremble all over, unable to speak clearly.
What’s going on today?
“Then tell me, why did you do such a disgraceful thing?”
“Grandfather, that woman is not an ordinary person. She is Gu Beichen’s most important intelligence officer. I brought her back to cut off the Gu family’s arm and deprive them of their informants. That way, it will be much easier for us to deal with them.”
“Also, today I went to the Yuanda Casino and caught Liu Shuyao secretly meeting Gu Beichen. I deliberately beat Gu Beichen up. I guess now he’s either throwing a tantrum at home or complaining to His Majesty in the palace.”
“If it’s the latter, even better. I can take the opportunity to turn the Yuanda Casino into the Lin family’s property!”
Hiss…
Lin Zhenxian sucked in a breath.
After everything that happened yesterday and today, he felt he could no longer see through his grandson.
This was not the same brat from before. Always indulging in debauchery, never learning from mistakes, always led astray by disreputable friends.
But today’s performance—even Lin Zhenxian had to admit—it was steady.
He spoke with strength, neither humble nor arrogant, and every word made sense, leaving no room for rebuttal.
Was this really the Zhen’er he had raised?
But Lin Zhenxian, as a military man, hated these underhanded schemes. So he waved his hand for Lin Zhen to get up.
“At least you’re honest. You even admitted to hitting Gu Beichen. Get up. From now on, read more military books and think less about these disgraceful matters.”
Read military books?
My dear grandfather, it’s precisely because you read too many military books that you ended up dying so tragically later…