IDWBE -Chapter 499 Trust

Everything he said was the truth.

Although he had lived a life of relative comfort, it was only relative to ordinary people.

No games, no internet; entertainment was all self-made. When it was unbearably hot, all he could do was use a fan, then collapse on the spot. Going out meant relying on a donkey or a sedan chair, bouncing along the way.

Communication relied on shouting.

Even catching a cold meant toughing it out.

The only thing that truly satisfied him was power—never lacking food or drink, never worrying about affording a house, never fearing he wouldn’t find a wife or leave no heirs. He could boss people around, and whatever he said was right.

That was all.

All of this he could access just by staying in Sanhe; there was no need to return to Ankang City and worry about the entire realm.

Of course, if he were to be sent back in time again, he would certainly not be willing.

Who would give up the freedom to run around just to sit in a wheelchair, paying rent every day and being a sycophant? Eat, sleep, go home early, drink less, don’t stay out too late. Be the most patient man, and serve the one you love the most.

Lin Yi spoke at length, but seeing Emperor Delong silently staring at him, he grew embarrassed and chuckled, “Don’t look at me like that. I’m actually rather shy and modest. What, you still don’t believe me? Everything I’ve said is the honest truth.”

Emperor Delong suddenly smiled.

After a couple of coughs, he said, “I believe what you say.”

Lin Yi picked up his teacup, gently blowing on the floating leaves, and asked, “You really believe me?”

Emperor Delong replied, “With your kind heart and soft hands, just killing Jiang Zhong, Fu Yin, and He Jin isn’t enough.”

Lin Yi was pleased.

The emperor truly believed him; there was no need for further explanation.

If he had any ambition to ascend the throne, whether it was the Crown Prince, Sixth Prince Dai, or even the old Twelfth Prince Yong’an with whom he had a camaraderie, none of them would have survived.

Curious, he asked, “The Crown Prince and the Twelfth Prince are your own sons. You were hoping I’d kill them?”

Emperor Delong snorted coldly, “Hasn’t He Jixiang told you? Mercy cannot command troops, righteousness cannot manage finances. To achieve great things, one must bear heavy responsibilities.”

Lin Yi shook his head under the emperor’s gaze. “I think it’s unnecessary. What is mine, no one can take away. What isn’t mine, I can’t keep. Brothers fighting among themselves only makes outsiders laugh.”

Both He Jixiang and Chen Desheng had secretly encouraged him to engineer a “reasonable” death for the Crown Prince.

Confined in the deep palace, frustrated, and perhaps succumbing to depression—wasn’t suicide a normal outcome? But Lin Yi did not follow their advice.

From a familial standpoint, he cared for his mother, sister, and the late Prince Pingchuan, who had once been kind to him.

The Crown Prince, Xin Wang, Dai Wang, and Jin Wang were not truly bothersome.

He was a small, insignificant figure who had never had real conflicts of interest with these people.

As for the Twelfth Prince, he was merely a mischievous child in his eyes.

The only person he genuinely wanted dead was the Third Prince, Prince Yong.

Such a ruthless, ambitious man instilled genuine fear in him.

From a political standpoint, Prince Yong was strong, controlling the court, a true king without a crown.

Most importantly, he followed a populist path and had won the hearts of the people.

If anyone rose against him, even if he agreed, the people likely would not comply.

That was his confidence!

Emperor Delong, holding the chair for support, shakily stood and sighed, “I’ve underestimated you.”

“You flatter me, Father,” Lin Yi said calmly, “There are countless paths in the world. I’m simply walking a different one from yours.”

“So it is said, ‘The world originally had no path; the more people walk it, it becomes a path.’”

Emperor Delong, supported by Lin Yi, stood trembling by the pond, watching the fish scramble for food.

“You really have a good memory, Father,” Lin Yi held the emperor’s frail arm, feeling a pang of sympathy, and sighed, “Father, you’re old. Just stay here and enjoy your retirement. Whatever you need, just command it. Though the economy is tight, it won’t lack for your meals.”

Emperor Delong snorted. “You truly are my good son.”

Lin Yi said, “Father, you’re overthinking. I speak sincerely. You are old; no need to worry over state affairs. As long as I’m here, this realm will be safe, and the people will have clothes to wear and food to eat.”

The common people, as long as they had food, would never risk rebellion.

“I heard you’re sending troops to Chuanzhou?”

Delong asked softly.

Lin Yi furrowed his brow slightly, unconsciously.

Before he could answer, Emperor Delong continued, “Though I live secluded in the deep palace, it doesn’t mean I’m blind and know nothing.”

“Father, your wisdom is unmatched,” Lin Yi spoke frankly, “The Jizhao Nunnery repeatedly defecated and urinated on me. If I didn’t personally teach them a lesson, they wouldn’t even know how many eyes Lord Ma has. Rest assured, Father, I’ll go there and eliminate the ringleaders.”

Mo Shun’s firearms and cannons had already been improved, and after multiple inspections, Lin Yi was very satisfied.

When the cannons fired, he didn’t believe Jizhao Nunnery could withstand it!

Besides, in terms of grandmasters, he now rivaled anyone!

He truly wasn’t afraid of a tough fight.

Emperor Delong turned to Lin Yi again. “A group of women from Jizhao Nunnery cannot cause real trouble. The true threat lies in Xihuang. Take care of yourself there.”

After saying this, he summoned a nearby eunuch, boarded a sedan, and left.

Lin Yi didn’t even have the chance to ask questions.

“Lord,” Hong Ying whispered, “The Empress has already sent someone to inquire.”

Lin Yi said, “You heard what was said just now? You’ve been to Xihuang—do you think it’s really that dangerous?”

Even his father was wary? And yet, Jizhao Nunnery didn’t even concern him?

Hong Ying whispered, “Don’t worry, Lord. Fireflies dare not compete with the moon. The petty thieves, you need not trouble yourself; I’ll handle them.”

“You promise?”

“I wouldn’t deceive you, Lord.”

“Alright, then I’ll trust you this once,” Lin Yi yawned. “Since the Empress is urging, we’d better go quickly to avoid a scolding.”

Empress Yuan sat upright on the couch, looking at Lin Yi as he walked in slowly, hands behind his back, and said irritably, “Those who know you think you’re my son. Those who don’t think you’re some big noble from elsewhere. This display is getting more extravagant by the day.”

Lin Yi’s face stiffened, unsure of her temper.

He smiled, “Who offended you? Getting angry at me in the middle of the day?”

Empress Yuan glared, snorted, and turned away.

Lin Yi sighed inwardly, knelt in front of her, and smiled, “You’re my real mother. If there’s an issue, we’ll talk it over ourselves. Don’t make me guess.”