IDWBE -Chapter 567 Emulating the Ancients

“That really makes you quite the talent,” Lin Yi looked at him again and no longer found him repulsive. “Tell me, if you had known how to handle people like this before, why would things have ended up like this today?”

The Prince Nanling hurriedly replied, “Your Highness, the Regent is right. Fortunately, Your Highness reformed me in time, so I was able to stop myself from going too far and turn back from the wrong path.”

Lin Yi tossed a handful of bird feed into the fish pond. Although it was already autumn, the fish in the pond were still lively, competing eagerly for the food.

“Objects and hearts are unknowable, and nature sometimes changes. Even a simple meal sparks such eagerness—how much more so a high-ranking minister.”

Lin Yi felt inspired by the scene.

“The Regent is well-read and knowledgeable. I am truly in awe. I pride myself on reading extensively, yet I have never come across this poem.”

This time, Prince Nanling had learned his lesson and dared not praise Lin Yi’s talent.

Everyone knew that his younger brother was utterly clueless.

To speak of “talent” in his case was an insult to literature.

The poem he was now reciting must have had an earlier stanza!

He only recited the latter part, probably because he had forgotten the first part. Look at that memory!

“This poem was written by a poet from the previous dynasty. Unfortunately, I cannot recall it in full, but the general meaning is about a crane and a chicken competing for food.”

Lin Yi recalled his days writing online literature and the effort he had put into poetry.

For a poem like this, the main difficulty was the many obscure characters, which he couldn’t fully remember.

“That the Regent can continue to circulate this timeless verse, preserving it for posterity, is truly a merit that will last through the ages.”

The Prince Nanling, putting on a face of agreement, could not help inwardly thinking, How dare he say that?

At that moment, he even felt a bit nostalgic for his Third Elder Brother.

His Third Elder Brother was accomplished in both civil and military matters, talented in his era, and treated him kindly, making him feel respected!

Unlike this clueless Ninth Brother!

He completely lacked the sense of fraternal respect.

Standing before this elder brother felt like enduring an interminable day.

Moreover, he was harsh even to people like Shen Chu and Jin Bo!

How could one win hearts with such treatment of meritorious officials and soldiers?

Doesn’t he fear chilling the loyalty of his subordinates?

Shen Chu and the others were indeed shameless!

Why did they have no backbone at all?

Was it necessary to risk their lives for such people?

He truly felt sorry for his Third Elder Brother!

To lose to this kind of “scoundrel”!

As his grandfather said, it’s fate and timing!

“No wonder your Third Elder Brother wanted to bring you along. You really do have a way with words,” Lin Yi said with a smile.

“The Regent flatters me,” The Prince Nanling felt a surge of pride.

If only his Fourth Elder Brother had known how to speak a bit of common sense, he wouldn’t have ended up in the mess he was in today.

Truly beyond foolishness!

“All right, go check on how the family is doing. It should be almost mealtime—I’m starving,” Lin Yi urged.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Being sent as a messenger, the Prince Nanling showed not a hint of displeasure and immediately went to the main hall.

Upon arriving and peeking inside, he saw the family standing quietly in two rows, with Prince Jin seated in the center. He smiled, “Your Highness, are you hungry?”

Prince Jin was puzzled, paused for a moment, then said, “We follow the Regent’s instructions.”

“That’s fine,” Seeing the Prince’s confusion, Prince Nanling hurried away again.

By the time he returned to Lin Yi, he was out of breath.

Lin Yi smiled, “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Prince Nanling forced a smile, “The Regent commands!”

When Lin Yi first entered the He Wang residence, he had released some of the women forcibly taken by Prince Jin. For the remaining concubines, maids, and servants, he applied a voluntary principle. The doors were open—anyone who wanted to leave was free to go, even given travel funds.

Fifty or sixty left at once, yet there were still many people in the main hall.

Just the concubines numbered more than a dozen!

Adding Prince Jin’s twenty-plus sons and daughters, there were over forty people!

Lin Yi felt a bit overwhelmed.

“Sit.”

After Lin Yi led the way, he said, “Let’s eat.”

No one dared to sit.

Prince Jin hesitated, “They are just women and children—how can we sit with the Regent? It would be improper.”

Lin Yi smiled, “If it is uncomfortable for the ladies and nephews to sit with me, then open another table.”

Prince Jin cupped his hands, “Thank you, Regent.”

Cheng Duor led the women and children away, leaving only Lin Yi and his three brothers in the vast hall.

Prince Nanling took the wine jug from a maid and personally poured wine for Lin Yi and Prince Jin. “To drink with the Regent and my Fourth Brother is truly a blessing in life.”

Prince Jin stood and raised his cup, “I shall finish this cup first!”

Lin Yi remained seated, watching him lift the cup and drain it in one gulp.

Then he raised his own cup, “Come to think of it, how many years has it been since the brothers drank together?”

After Lin Yi finished, the Prince Nanling refilled his cup, “The Regent is so busy, we dare not disturb you more than necessary.”

“You again with empty words. I hope we brothers can be more sincere and less cunning,” Lin Yi said slowly, “You two must understand: before absolute power, all tricks and schemes are illusions. In the end, they only bring self-harm.”

Anyone trying to manipulate him would fail.

“Your Highness’s advice is duly noted,” Both spoke in unison as they stood.

Prince Nanling felt even more nostalgic for his Third Elder Brother.

Although his Third Elder Brother had been using them, they were also using him in return.

Everyone could save face!

Unlike now, with tension like a drawn bow.

But there was no choice!

Heaven, Earth, gods, humans, and spirits—all follow rules. Go against them, and everything turns upside down; follow them, and all is orderly.

Circumstances are stronger than people!

What else could one do but bow?

Being alive is the ultimate priority!

He recalled a line from the opera troupe earlier: Full of knowledge in seven steps, silken sleeves brushing fragrant dust. You gaze strongly ahead, eyes wide, witnessing heavenly patterns and circulating fortunes.

“Fourth Brother.”

Lin Yi looked at Prince Jin.

“I am here,” Prince Jin said respectfully.

“Do you hate me?”

Lin Yi asked with a smile.

“I dare not!”

Prince Jin spoke honestly.

Now, the person he hated most was Prince Yong!

He had been abandoned!

Next was Prince Nanling, who had once treated him with respect but was now cruel!

He flaunted the behavior of a petty man who had gained power!

He repeatedly teased him!

He wished he could eliminate them immediately!

As for Lin Yi, when the gap in power was so vast, only fear and despair remained.

He could not summon the courage to resist.

“I’ll ask you something. Answer truthfully,” Lin Yi slowly stirred the tea leaves, “Where did the people of Jizhao Temple in Pingcheng go? I couldn’t find a single one.”

While pacifying the people, he also searched the entire city, yet not a shadow of the Jizhao Temple members appeared.

Prince Jin replied honestly, “We dare not deceive the Regent. Since early this year, when Jingkuan learned that the armies from Yuezhou and Hongzhou entered Chuanzhou, he led his disciples back to Chuanzhou. At that time, the Third Elder Brother had already lost Guanshan, Jiaokou, and Pingtao. His decline was evident, and the Jizhao Temple members found an excuse to retreat safely. The Third Elder Brother was furious but helpless.”

“A falling tree scatters the monkeys, indeed dishonorable,” Lin Yi laughed, “At least you stayed true, loyal and unyielding.”

Prince Nanling wore a mournful face, “Your Highness, when we wanted to retreat, General Shen Chu had already captured Huguan. We had no way out and could only huddle in Pingcheng.”

The fall of Huguan meant Prince Yong’s defeat was certain.

Retreating further would lead straight into Jizhou!

A heavily defended area!

Even if they escaped Jizhou, what could they do? March directly on the capital?

Even his grandfather said the situation was lost!

“I see.” Lin Yi finally understood.

“The Regent is wise.”

Both spoke in unison again.

Sometimes, bending so often makes it feel natural rather than shameful.

“Sigh, I’ve said too much again. I’ll punish myself with a cup,” Lin Yi drained his cup.

“I drink to the Regent,” Both men instinctively raised their cups in unison.

No one dared let their good younger brother punish himself.

They were grateful for the royal education they had received.

When hierarchy mattered, one could instinctively react appropriately.

Lin Yi smiled, “In ancient times, a thousand gold were spent to buy a horse’s bones. I hope what I bought is not horse dung.”

“I shall not disappoint the Regent!”

Prince Nanling reacted swiftly.

“I shall serve diligently and exhaust myself until death!”

Prince Jin, after enduring these days, had finally accepted reality.

The arm cannot overcome the thigh.

“Fourth Brother, I am not trying to make things difficult for you,” Lin Yi said feigning difficulty, “Although I reluctantly hold this position, I still cannot ignore the endless opinions of the world. I must remain vigilant.”

He really wished Prince Jin would just keel over.

But everything needed a pretext.

Prince Jin had plundered civilians and abducted women—what charges would that bring?

To the powerful, that was expected.

Even some commoners thought it normal!

He was a prince!

Moreover, he had pacified Pingcheng without a single soldier and spread fame throughout the land.

To directly earn the title of “brother killer” would be improper.

All previous efforts would have been wasted.

“I understand your intentions, Your Highness. I am deeply grateful!”

Prince Jin tried to squeeze out some tears.

In the end, none came.

He could only blink dryly.

“Eat and drink freely. Make yourself at home,” Lin Yi called out.

This was my home!

Prince Jin could not help but cry silently in his heart.

This mansion had been built by over ten thousand laborers at a cost of four million taels of silver!

The Purple Pavilion and Alchemy Tower gleamed; the jade chambers and brocade halls were exquisite.

Truly a masterpiece of a lifetime.

Alas, in the present, spring breezes and autumn moons felt distant, windows cold, hands idle, tears brimming, desolation overwhelming.

After eating and drinking, Lin Yi raised his teacup, rinsed his mouth, and said to the Prince Nanling, “Escort Fourth Brother back and be careful on the way. There are many thieves about—don’t let anything happen.”

Prince Jin sighed inwardly.

Prince Jin’s mansion could never be recovered.

He stood, cupped his hands, “I take my leave.”

“I will ensure the Fourth Brother’s safe return,” The Prince Nanling bowed and left with Prince Jin.

Standing at the empty mansion gate, the Prince Jin could not help reciting,
“Life is short and fleeting like the morning glory.
Do not refuse the cup in your hand. Drunk, do not seek sobriety.
Only understand reason in drunkenness, and desire not fame when sober.”

The Prince Nanling smiled, “Your Highness, you are truly talented. I admire you. Life always has two kinds of sorrow: sorrow in life, sorrow in death. Why should Your Highness take it to heart?”

Reciting poetry at such a moment? Truly fearless!

Prince Jin said, “We brothers are on the same boat. Don’t hide anything. In your opinion, why did the Ninth Brother behave this way today?”

“Consider the people—no clothes on their backs, no food in their bellies,” The Prince Nanling said slowly, “Yet Your Highness once had immense wealth, estates everywhere, oil mills, pawn warehouses, gold, silver, jewels, antiques, livestock, servants, silks, countless treasures. He enjoyed the ultimate blessings of the Qi people. What regrets remain?”

Prince Jin took a deep breath and suppressed his anger, “Everyone wishes to stroll the clouds, visit fishermen and woodcutters, bask in the sun, and sleep without worry. I’ve fallen to this state. You are clever—please point me to a clear path!”

The past half-month had been worse than pig or dog for him.

He couldn’t endure it any longer!

“Honestly?” Prince Nanling asked with a smile.

Prince Jin sighed, “Given the circumstances, do I have any choice?”

The Prince Nanling’s eyes twinkled, “Today I saw the concubine you favor painting her new moon brows, wearing a lotus-silk gown, fingers slender like spring bamboo. Truly your good fortune, brother.”

“You mean Suxin?”

Prince Jin snorted.

This was his favorite concubine!

Prince Nanling smiled, “Brother, you are indeed smart.”

“What do you mean?”

Prince Jin frowned, uneasy.

“My good brother, can’t you see? One glances shyly, hiding behind a lotus-like face; another can’t sit steadily at the tortoiseshell banquet.”

Prince Nanling looked him in the eye, word by word, “Brother, stop pretending to be confused!”

“You insolent child!” This time, Prince Jin was truly angry.

“In ancient times, guests were honored by offering wives and children without shame,” Prince Nanling said with a smile, “Why not emulate the ancients, the sages?”

Prince Jin fell silent.

Today, the way his younger brother looked at his concubine—how could he not understand?

He wasn’t really a fool!

The Prince continued, “I only wish the best for you. Brother, do not anger yourself.”

“She’s just a woman,” Prince Jin finally understood, “A true man will not lack a wife. What concern is it?”

“The ladies are beautiful, offering cups with gentle words, attentively filling and singing. Who can resist?”

Prince Nanling smiled, “As long as the Regent agrees, your opportunity arrives, doesn’t it?”

Unintentionally, he echoed Lin Yi’s catchphrase.

“Gentlemen, it’s getting late,” Jin Bo, standing nearby, had heard everything clearly.

But he could only pretend not to hear.

Whether to report it to the princes required General Shen Chu’s approval.

“It can only be this way,” Prince Jin sighed and walked straight into the chilly autumn wind.

Sitting in his study, Lin Yi glanced at the memorial from the cabinet about Jinzhou’s recovery and immediately approved it.

Thanks to Shen Chu and the others’ relentless efforts, the streets slowly regained life: people chatting, children crying, livestock braying, merchants shouting, all mixed together in lively chaos.