The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

Lin Mu already had a plan in mind.

When dealing with a self-important but shallow playboy like Jin Yanxi, one should not be too enthusiastic or flattering, otherwise he will look down on you.

Maintaining a degree of mystery and aloofness, and even occasionally revealing a subtle hint of superiority, can actually pique his curiosity and goodwill.

"Mr. Lin, are you settling into Kyoto?"

Jin Yanxi asked with a smile, while gracefully taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray, her movements fluid and elegant.

He tried to steer the conversation into a social rhythm he was familiar with.

"Kyoto is prosperous and culturally rich, far surpassing Tianjin."

Lin Mu responded calmly, raising his glass to take a sip. He was neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite, his gaze calm and unwavering, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.

Bai Xiuzhu couldn't help but interject, with a hint of coquettish complaint: "Brother Yanxi, Mr. Lin took over the entire Tianjin without making a sound! You always say that things outside are boring, but you never told me that so many thrilling things have happened in Tianjin recently."

She seemed to be speaking to Jin Yanxi, but her gaze was fixed on Lin Mu, filled with inquiry and admiration.

Perhaps one of the reasons was to provoke Jin Yanxi.

Jin Yanxi smiled indifferently and replied in his usual slightly lazy tone: "Those military and political affairs involving fighting and killing are enough to give anyone a headache. What's there to talk about?"

He then turned to Lin Mu, a hint of probing in his eyes: "However, I heard that Mr. Lin not only quickly stabilized the situation in Tianjin, but also vigorously promoted new policies, established schools, and enlightened the people. Is this true?"

"Education is the foundation of a nation; a strong youth makes a strong nation. I am merely doing my small part to contribute to my hometown."

Lin Mu spoke calmly, glossing over the momentous rectification and reform.

This nonchalant attitude only makes one appear more profound.

Just then, a middle-aged man wearing a dark striped suit with a gold watch and chain peeking out of his breast pocket walked over slowly, followed by two capable-looking attendants not far behind him.

The man had a refined appearance, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. The imposing aura he had cultivated from his long-standing position made the surrounding conversations and laughter unconsciously quiet down.

"Yanxi, so you were here all along."

The man's voice was loud and steady. His gaze swept quickly across the room before finally settling on Lin Mu, his expression carrying an undisguised scrutiny.

"Who is this young man?"

Although he was asking Jin Yanxi a question, his eyes were fixed on Lin Mu.

"Father."

Jin Yanxi bowed slightly in acknowledgment, his attitude becoming somewhat more restrained than before.

The one who arrived was Jin Quan, the Premier of the Beiyang Government.

Lin Mu met Jin Quan's gaze with composure and humility, saying, "Tianjin, Lin Mu."

A look of understanding flashed across Jin Quan's eyes, followed by a fleeting hint of seriousness, but it was quickly masked by a smooth smile: "So it's General Lin. I've long admired your name, and it's an honor to meet you today. Indeed, heroes emerge from among the young, and you are truly a promising young man."

He reached out and shook hands with Lin Mu.

His palms are broad and thick, with moderate pressure, possessing both the smooth politeness of a politician and the dignity of a prime minister.

"Premier Kim is too kind. It was simply a matter of the times, and I dare not call myself a hero."

Lin Mu responded politely, while a faint golden glint flashed almost imperceptibly in his eyes.

The Golden Eye ability was quietly activated.

In an instant, countless fragments of information flooded into Lin Mu's senses: the weariness hidden between Jin Quan's brows, his worries about the infighting among the various factions within the Beiyang clique, such as the Zhili, Anhui, and Fengtian cliques, his vigilance against the northward advance of the Southern Revolutionary Army, and his deep apprehension towards Lin Mu, this rapidly rising young general who controlled Tianjin and whose intentions were unclear...

"General Lin is too modest. I look forward to having in-depth exchanges with you at tomorrow's State Council meeting to discuss national affairs."

Jin Quan spoke calmly with a smile, but his eyes revealed the shrewdness and calculation of a seasoned politician.

Lin Mu's expression remained unchanged, and he nodded slightly: "I, Lin, will certainly arrive on time."

Jin Quan's gaze narrowed slightly as he gave Lin Mu a deep look, seemingly trying to discern more from his face. However, he ultimately just smiled, exchanged a few polite words, and then left with Jin Yanxi, who seemed to still have something to say, citing the other guests he needed to attend to.

Seeing this, Bai Xiuzhu naturally followed in Jin Yanxi's footsteps immediately.

Lin Mu stood alone in the same spot, his fingertips gently swirling the remaining liquid in his glass.

He was increasingly looking forward to tomorrow's meeting.

The Beiyang government was an old machine, its interior rusted and riddled with factions, each with its own agenda.

If we could seize control of the top leadership of the Beiyang government, we could avoid many unnecessary sacrifices.

War is a derivative of politics, but Lin Mu does not want to wield the butcher's knife against his own people unless absolutely necessary.

I suspect these people are also plotting against me; we'll see who comes out on top.

Chapter 111: Si Teng

The following day, in the State Council Hall of the Beiyang Government.

The heavy mahogany door was slowly pushed open by two guards, making a dull sound, as if opening a power vortex of an era.

A complex aroma, a blend of expensive cigars, old books, and silent desire, wafted over—the very scent of the core of power, extravagant yet oppressive.

Inside the hall, the high-hanging Western-style chandelier casts a cool white light onto the gleaming long conference table, reflecting the faces of each person—some solemn, some deep, and some harboring hidden calculations.

The air was still, with only the smoke from the cigars rising in wisps, like souls locked in a silent battle.

At the head of the table, Yuan Shikai, dressed in his military presidential uniform, sat upright with an expressionless face. His short, stubby fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the smooth tabletop, producing a rhythm that was almost silent yet taut to the heart.

His deep-set eyes occasionally flashed with a barely perceptible glint as he scanned the room, finally settling on the new face with scrutiny and a hidden sharpness.

On either side, Prime Minister Kim Jong-un's brows were slightly furrowed, and fine beads of sweat could be faintly seen on his forehead beneath his meticulously combed hair.

His gaze briefly met Yuan Shikai's silver dollar a few times before quickly looking away.

The ministers and vice ministers of various departments, as well as several powerful military governors who were dressed in military uniforms or silk robes, exchanged glances with their eyes, remained expressionless and kept their true intentions hidden, or openly scrutinized the composed young man at the other end of the conference table.

Lin Mu sat calmly in the seat reserved for him, dressed in a crisp, dark military uniform with gleaming epaulets, a stark contrast to the officials around him, who were either in suits or long gowns.

He leaned back in his chair with a relaxed posture, as if the almost tangible political pressure and malice surrounding him did not exist. He would occasionally pick up the blue and white porcelain covered bowl from the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln in front of him, slowly brush away the tea foam with the lid, and take a sip of the fragrant tea. His movements were unhurried, and even showed a hint of enjoyment in appreciating the aroma of the tea.

[That ignorant brat, having luckily obtained Tianjin, dares to act wildly in the capital! He's utterly courting death!]

A burly military governor named Li, dressed in the uniform of the Anhui clique, glanced at Lin Mu with a cold snort in his heart. His thick fingers impatiently twisted his large cigar, almost snapping it in two.

Tianjin Customs, the purse strings of the North, must not fall into the hands of such uncontrollable individuals again! Today we must force them to relinquish control, or at least take a hefty cut to distribute among the various parties, otherwise…

Another close financial officer, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and appearing refined, had shrewd calculations gleaming in his eyes behind the lenses, his fingers silently tapping an abacus on his lap.

The President was far too calm today; this is definitely not a good sign, and there must be something planned behind it.

Lin Mu, arriving in the capital alone, remained remarkably calm; his true nature is unknown… Is he a reckless fool, or does he possess some real backing? Is this a blessing or a curse?

Jin Quan picked up his teacup again, using the rising steam to conceal the worry in his eyes. He keenly sensed that Yuan Shikai's silver dollar was acting strangely today.

These complex thoughts, malicious speculations, and power struggles were all laid bare before Lin Mu's quietly activated Golden Eyes, like an open book, each word clear and unobstructed.

His perception even extended beyond the magnificent conference hall, spreading outwards like mercury, and he "saw" four people with extraordinary abilities standing silently in the shadows beneath the carved pillars outside the hall.

Unlike Chuchenzi, who was a half-baked amateur, the energy surging from these two was solid and restrained, clearly indicating that they both possessed genuine skills and were quite accomplished.

One of them was about thirty years old, with a cold and stern face, and bore a striking resemblance to an actor named Shao Feng from later generations.

He slowly twisted a jet-black rope in his hand, with a similarly black bead threaded through it, faintly absorbing the surrounding light.

A strangely styled long umbrella was slung diagonally across his back, with a low rumble of thunder emanating from its ribs and a suppressed aura of lightning contained within it, clearly indicating that it was an extremely powerful magical artifact.

Behind him stood a person shrouded in a black robe, whose aura was different from that of a human, quite mixed.

The other man was a stout middle-aged Taoist priest, dressed in a bright yellow robe embroidered with Bagua patterns. He carried a peach wood sword on his back, had a Yin-Yang symbol printed on his forehead, and sported a meticulously trimmed mustache. His eyes were slick and cunning.

Beside him stood a humble-looking Taoist boy in gray robes, holding a talisman plate, quietly attending to him.

The meeting began in an eerie and oppressive atmosphere.

Like the calm before the storm, a few trivial agenda items were quickly mentioned and passed, and everyone's mind was clearly not on these trivial matters.

Finally, Yuan Shikai cleared his throat and looked at Lin Mu:

"General Lin was young and promising, full of vigor and talent. As soon as he took office in Tianjin, he used swift and decisive measures to rectify public order, establish new schools, and eliminate malpractices. His remarkable achievements were refreshing and admirable."

He paused briefly: "However, the country is currently facing difficulties, with the North and South locked in a standoff, and everything in need of rebuilding. All parts of the central government require funding, and we are living beyond our means, struggling to make ends meet."

"Tianjin is the northern gateway, connecting land and sea, and its customs revenue is of paramount importance to maintaining the operation of the central government..."

"I wonder what specific measures General Lin has in mind to address the Central Committee's urgent needs?"

In an instant, all eyes were focused on Lin Mu like searchlights, some expectant, some scrutinizing, some gloating, waiting for his answer.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lin Mu calmly put down his teacup, raised his eyes, and met Yuan Datou's unfathomable gaze with a faint smile playing on his lips.

"What the President said is absolutely right. The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen. As a general of the Republic of China, I, Lin, should do my duty. Tianjin is part of the Republic of China, and its taxes should be turned over to the central treasury in accordance with the law."

Upon hearing this, several officials who had been leaning forward, ready to launch an attack, paused slightly, their faces showing suspicion, seemingly not expecting the other party to be so "sensible".

However, Lin Mu immediately changed the subject, his tone still calm but carrying an undeniable weight: "However, I'm sure you all have heard that the former officials of Tianjin were corrupt by nature, lining their own pockets, manipulating the system, causing much tax revenue to be lost, and the accounts to be in complete disarray. They had already emptied the Tianjin treasury, leaving only a mess."

"When Lin first took over Tianjin, he had a multitude of tasks to handle. The most important thing was to clear up the accounts and audit the treasury, clarify the income and expenditure, and recover the embezzled funds. This was not something that could be accomplished overnight. Only when the truth was revealed could he give the central government a clear explanation."

"In addition, Tianjin has experienced turmoil. The war has just ended, the people are impoverished, and the city is devastated. Schools urgently need to be rebuilt to cultivate talents, roads urgently need to be repaired to facilitate trade, and factories need to be reopened to ensure people's livelihood. All these important matters require huge investments before they can be seen to the beginning and the city can recover."

“So…”

Lin Mu raised his voice slightly and swept his gaze across the room: "I, Lin, hereby earnestly request the Central Government to take pity on the difficulties of the local area and allocate ten million silver dollars in advance as a special fund for the reconstruction and repair of Tianjin. Once Tianjin's administration is back on track, the economy has recovered, and the tax base is stable, I, Lin, hereby guarantee that all tax revenue will be paid to the national treasury in full and on time."

Yuan Shikai's facial muscles twitched almost imperceptibly. Although he still wore a formulaic smile, a cold chill had already settled deep in his eyes.

[What a sharp-tongued brat! He won't listen to reason, he'll drink the punishment! He seized Tianjin, injured my men, and now he dares to ask me for money? He's courting death! You've already chosen your path to annihilation!]

"Hmph! What a clever word!"

Before Yuan Shikai could speak again, Li, the military governor of the Anhui clique, was already furious. He slammed his hand on the table, making a loud bang that sent cups and saucers flying.

He abruptly stood up, his thick fingers almost poking Lin Mu's nose, and shouted in a booming voice:

"Lin Mu! Stop crying poor and playing the victim here, spreading rumors and misleading the public! Who doesn't know that under the pretext of investigating the property of traitors, you have confiscated the property of many former Qing dynasty officials and wealthy gentry in Tianjin, reaping huge sums of money and becoming incredibly rich! Now, I'm afraid even the warehouses in Tianjin can't hold it all, can they?"

"Now you're making excuses and confusing the public, saying the treasury is empty? I think you're just a wolf in sheep's clothing, wanting to amass military power, carve out your own territory, and disregard the central government and the president!"

Faced with this blatant accusation and overwhelming malice, Lin Mu suddenly sighed, shook his head, and showed a look of dejection on his face.

"Commander Li... never mind."

He said softly, as if he had lost all interest in debating: "It is pointless to waste words arguing about right and wrong with you parasites who drain the country and suck the people's blood and sweat."

Lin Mu slowly stood up, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his gaze suddenly becoming incredibly sharp as he swept across the entire room: "Since reasoning fails, and you all insist on thinking you can control me..."

An invisible yet immense power suddenly spread out from him, instantly enveloping the entire conference hall!

"Then kneel down, all of you!"

As if words were law, terrifying mental power crashed down like a towering mountain.

"Pfft!"

·· ···Requesting flowers· ·······

"Pfft!"

"Pfft!"

A series of dull thuds exploded out.

All the dignitaries present, whether arrogant warlords, shrewd politicians, or high-ranking premiers, including even Yuan Shikai in the main seat, were completely unable to resist this inhuman force. They felt their knees buckle, their bones and muscles creak, and they uncontrollably bent their knees and knelt heavily on the ground.

Teacups overturned, documents scattered, a complete mess.

Exclamations, groans of pain, and incredulous roars instantly filled the hall.

Lin Mu looked down at the officials around him, who were filled with shock, anger, and utter disarray, and sneered: "What kind of class do you have? You dare to sit at the same table with me and discuss right and wrong?"

Yuan Datou's expression changed drastically. He stared intently at Lin Mu and forced out a voice through gritted teeth: "Lin Mu! You...you want to rebel?!"

Hearing Yuan Shikai's question, Lin Mu shrugged: "Haven't I made it obvious enough? But I'm not rebelling, I'm making a revolution, just a revolution against you."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Mu pressed down, and the important official's eyes rolled back. Before he could even utter a sound, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

[Using dual-wielding techniques to manipulate perceptions is the most efficient method. By turning these key figures into absolutely loyal puppets, the entire Beiyang government can be brought under our control without bloodshed.]

Lin Mu had a plan in mind, but he didn't act immediately. He still needed to deal with some troublesome people.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Several sharp gunshots rang out from outside the window without warning.