Jian Zhaoxing

Chapter 423 A War Between Two Men

Yan Yu did not explicitly state who "he" was, but everyone knew he was referring to the emperor.

He was speaking out for his younger brother, for Lin Congrong, and for the soldiers who died unjustly.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

No one wants to admit that the monarch they respect and are loyal to is a cold-blooded and ruthless political machine.

Lin Zhiqing sighed softly:

"Yes, he can make such a boring trick so interesting. The key is that the Lin family had no choice."

Lu Huai's eyelashes trembled slightly.

Lin Zhiqing made it very clear that even if they knew the truth, they could not do anything to the person on the dragon throne.

The only thing they can do is keep elevating their own position so that the Lin family can remain standing.

"I won't let Jiang Liuyun get away with this." Lin Zhiqing's tone was very calm, as if she were saying that the food tasted good today.

Lu Huai knew that Lin Zhiqing made this choice because she didn't want to leave any future troubles, and even more so because she didn't want to be manipulated by the royal family any longer.

The Lin family was once incredibly powerful on the battlefield, but now it is far too weak.

Lin Zhiqing needs to find a balance.

As soon as she said that, everyone present knew that the matter between the Lin and Jiang families was not over yet.

Seeing the serious atmosphere, Lin Zhiqing smiled:

"It's not a bad thing for everyone to eat vegetables."

"At least the Lin family has turned their fortunes around thanks to this favorable wind."

"Regardless of what happens in the future, at least for a long time to come, we won't have to live in fear anymore."

That makes sense.

Every step the Lin family has taken has been earned through their own struggles.

Even though the royal family had ulterior motives, the Lin family still managed to turn their fortunes around.

She looked at Lu Huai and changed the subject:
"By the way, Lu Huai, the appointment of the Minister of War was a merit of the Ministry of Revenue. Now that it has come to an end, do you know who will succeed him as Minister of Revenue?"

"I don't know for now, but it's most likely not affiliated with any faction; it's probably to make room for the royal family," Lu Huai replied.

Chunchen!

They were loyal only to the emperor.

Lin Shi'an nodded: "Judging from the situation, the vacant positions should be filled by neutral people."

"That's fine, at least they're not from the Zhenyuan Marquis's residence."

Lin Congli took a deep breath: "Today is a family dinner, let's forget what we just said."

“In a few days, the remains of the soldier can be moved back to the capital. We will find him a propitious place so that he can return to his homeland.”

He changed the subject to something lighter.

Lin Zhiqing nodded: "We can go to pay our respects together then."

Just as Lin Congli was about to mention bringing the old Marquis back from Bianliang, Lin Zhiqing spoke first:

"Uncle, there is something I would like to discuss with you and Fourth Uncle."

Lin Congli and Lin Congyan exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. Then Lin Congli nodded.

"What is it? Tell me."

Lin Zhiqing put down her chopsticks:

“My grandfather’s departure from Bianliang to the capital was out of necessity. Now that my father’s case is over, I think my grandfather will want to come back and visit.”

"Moreover, he should also want to see his father."

Lin Congyan was somewhat surprised, then smiled and said, "Zhiqing, your uncle and I also wanted to talk to you about this."

“Your grandfather has devoted too much energy to the Lin family. Now that things are settled, it’s time for him to come back and visit.”

Lin Shi'an's eyes were full of joy:

“In that case, I will write a letter as soon as possible. My grandfather will be happy to hear this good news.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Congyan's face first lit up with joy, but then turned somewhat dejected.

He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not speak.

Lin Jingya had an inextricable entanglement with Jiang Liuyun and did many wrong things.

He didn't want to bring up these things at this time, lest he cause trouble for others.

“Cousin.” Lin Zhiqing’s voice rang out again:
"Don't forget to have Grandfather bring Fourth Aunt and the others back too." "No matter how good our old home in Bianliang is, it's still not as good as the place where I grew up."

Upon hearing this, Lin Congyan knew that Lin Zhiqing was thinking of him.

He didn't know how to express his feelings.

Lin Zhiqing is a shrewd and intelligent person, and is indeed capable of great things.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Zhiqing rested his chin on his hand, listening to Lu Nanyue report on the affairs of Jianxintang.

Asagao walked in from outside and gently called out to Lin Zhiqing.

"What is it?" Lin Zhiqing asked Chaoyan.

Asagao bent down and whispered in Lin Zhiqing's ear.

Lu Huai glanced sideways and saw that Chao Yan's hands were tightly clasped together and her brows were furrowed, so he knew that something must have happened.

After Asagao withdrew, he looked at Lin Zhiqing and spoke softly:
"What happened?"

Lin Zhiqing rubbed her temples, clearly tired.
"An uninvited guest has arrived outside."

Lu Huai raised an eyebrow: "Him?"

Lin Zhiqing stared at Lu Huai, a smile curving her lips: "Young Master Lu's ability to read people is getting stronger and stronger."

“I learned it from you.” Lu Huai sat up straight. “If you don’t want to deal with this, I’ll go out and take a look.”

"Go ahead." Lin Zhiqing nodded, then added another instruction:
"You need to be careful; who knows what he might do now."

"Don't worry," Lu Huai replied as he stood up.

He walked slowly outside, and in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he saw a familiar face at the Lin family's gate.

"Young Master Jiang," he called softly.

Jiang Liuyun thought it was Lin Zhiqing who had come out, so he immediately raised his head.

Upon hearing Lu Huai's voice, he silently lowered his head again, a mocking smile appearing on his lips:

"What are you going to do about it? Come and see me make a fool of myself?"

Lu Huai stood quietly atop the steps, his body ramrod straight.

"I have something I want to say to you."

Jiang Liuyun frowned and looked up at Lu Huai.

Lu Huai calmly said, "I used to be a step behind you, and now A Qing has become your fiancée."

"But not only did you not cherish her, you also hurt her."

What I want to tell you is that I will ask her for her hand in marriage.

"What gives you the right?" Jiang Liuyun clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging.

Lu Huai raised an eyebrow: "Young Master Jiang... Oh right, look at my memory, you're no longer the heir of the Marquis of Zhenyuan."

"Why?"

Lu Huai chuckled lightly: "That's something I'll have to think about carefully."

"I won't mention any other reasons, but I can help Aqing soar to great heights, and I can make any decision without being constrained by my father."

Jiang Liuyun could still control himself after the first sentence, but the second sentence was undoubtedly a mockery of him.

Jiang Liuyun stepped forward and couldn't help but speak:

"Lu Huai, you're nothing but a scoundrel who only knows how to scheme against others from behind."

"When others call you 'Young Master Lu,' do you really think you're someone important?"

"Lin Zhiqing can only be mine!"

"You don't know, do you? She used to see me as her only light, and desperately wanted my favor..."

"boom!"

Before Jiang Liuyun could finish speaking, he was knocked to the ground with a palm strike.

Lu Huai looked down at Jiang Liuyun:

"She doesn't belong to anyone; she is simply herself."

"You, you actually dare to..." Jiang Liuyun wanted to say something, but when he opened his mouth, he could only taste the thick taste of blood.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up from the ground.

But when he looked up, Lu Huai had already entered the Lin family's residence.