Chapter 255: The Lin Family Redeeming A Slave
Chapter 255: The Lin Family Redeeming A Slave
Bai Xiangxiu still had her thoughts about her, even though she was in her dog-tired state. Did Long Heng take the wrong medicine? Why does he have so much gusto after coming back? People might think that he was drugged if they saw him like this!
Long Heng was already gone by the time Bai Xiangxiu woke up the next day. She instantly remembered that she had to go pay the old madame a visit upon opening her eyes. There were some matters in the manor that she had to oversee so that she would be prepared when Long Heng was busy with his matters.
She had to struggle quite a bit before she could finally put on her clothes, but her legs gave way when she tried to get up. Fortunately, there were maids who helped her dress and wash up so she could finally sit at the dining table to have breakfast. However, she fell asleep on top of the dining table before she even began her meal.
Everyone was surprised when they saw that. What were they supposed to do now? Ye-mama coughed gently. I will report to the old madame and tell her that the princess consort will not be able to pay her a visit as she has fallen sick.
No need. Ive already paid the old madame a visit. Long Heng was in a good mood when he saw Bai Xiangxiu fast asleep on the table after he was finished with morning court.
He picked her up and laid her down on the bed and accompanied her as she slept. An hour later, Bai Xiangxiu suddenly woke up with a scream. Oh no, This is bad! Ive yet to pay the old madame a visit! Why didnt anybody wake me up!
Its already noon.
Aww. Shell hate me for this. Bai Xiangxiu let out a long sigh. Mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws dont normally get along ever since ancient times. Her situation was worse since the old madame was a very strict old lady.
Long Heng smiled. Why would she hate you when youve done nothing wrong? Ive already paid her a visit in your stead. You dont have to bother paying her a visit in the morning anymore as mother will be busy taking care of Liner. So, household matters will fall into your hands. Things will get a little hectic but it shouldnt be too exhausting as Long Shuting will be here to help you. Hurry up and have your lunch. Therell be a nice show to watch in a moment.
Mm? What show could there possibly be so early in the morni- I mean at noon?
After taking their lunch, Long Heng brought Bai Xiangxiu to the receiving hall at a pace that was more like taking a stroll. She saw a few people kneeling in when she arrived at the courtyard. Bai Xiangxiu had a good memory, so she instantly recognized that they werent people from the manor. Who are these people? Bai Xiangxiu asked while furrowing her eyebrows. There were three people in total. An old lady and two pageboys. Their faces were filled with sorrow.
Men, bring a chair for the princess consort.
The servants quickly went and brought two chairs. After all, it wouldnt look good if others were to see the prince standing while the princess consort sat on a chair beside him. Thus, both husband and wife decided to take a seat. They seemed like unscrupulous people by doing so. There was nothing Bai Xiangxiu could do about it. She hadnt a clue what was going on so she could only mimic the attitude Long Heng was showing. This is probably why they say married couples look alike!
Tears began to pour from the old ladys eyes as she kowtowed when she saw the two daunting figures. Your Highness, please be benevolent and forgive our mistress. Our master and madame are willing to pay any price to purchase her enslavement papers.
Oh? Princess Consort, what do you think about this?
Im not Oh god. Can you not push these sort of questions to me? Im not your sidekick. Isnt your opinion more important than mine in the end? Bai Xiangxiu rolled her eyes in secret and replied in an obedient manner. Your Highness should be the one making the decision.
Dont all men love being given face? I will give you the biggest face I can possibly muster. Long Heng was being more realistic now that all his urges were fulfilled. Youd best wait, little lass. Her reply made him feel abnormally good. Fine. Its not impossible if the Lin family wishes to purchase her enslavement papers. Long Heng replied, showing a little bit of mercy.
No way! Hes going to give them the paper so easily? That woman will surely be a scourge of all troubles when she goes back home!
Our master will surely remember Your Highness benevolence and big-heartedness. May I ask what do you wish in return
My conditions are relatively simple as well. I want all of the Lin familys assets, including their property and their slaves. Also, I want Minister Lin to resign, return to his hometown and never step foot in the capital ever again.
What? The old lady seemed incredibly taken aback while looking at Prince Li. She never imagined that hed give such a preposterous condition by asking for all of her masters assets.
This prince does not intend to change his mind! Minister Lin will have to pay the full price if he wants his daughter back! Get out!
Your Highness, Your Highness! Please dont be like this
The longest I can wait is until tomorrow night.
Your Highness, our master truly wishes to retrieve young mistress. Shes young and ignorant so please dont hold her to her offences
Throw them out. With just a wave of Long Hengs hands, the servants picked up the old lady and her cohorts and threw them out the doors.
Is it really fine to be doing this? Minister Lin will never agree to those terms.
Im not begging him to agree to them either.
Thats odd. Why didnt he come personally to ask for his daughter?
The emperor has issued a decree for the Lin family to cut all ties with Lin Qianzi. They are never to meet again.
Oh, I see. So that is the reason why Minister Lin didnt come himself. Even the old lady that was sent here had to come very secretly.
What about Miss Lin? Didnt she cause a ruckus yesterday night?
Dont worry. She will never be able to cause a ruckus ever again. Long Hengs smile sent chills down Bai Xiangxius spine. Do you want to know why?
Umm suddenly not anymore.
Long Heng didnt force the matter either. You will know sooner or later anyway.
Bai Xiangxiu inquired about the current situation after they were done looking at the show in the front hall. What about Tranquil City?
The soldiers have retreated back to Tranquil City. They have yet to return to the capital as they were worried that the enemy nation might be up to something. The emperor has given the permission, but at the same time hes taken away all of my duties in the capital.
He clearly wants Long Heng to stay idle in the capital!
Is the emperor only capable of these petty moves? Well, isnt he going at it a bit easy, actually?
Bai Xiangxiu looked at Long Heng in an inquisitive manner until he finally explained. The emperor has already sent two generals with military backgrounds to Tranquil City. However, I have a hunch that none would ever welcome them.
Why is that?
Because Ive already given them an order to make the lives of any of my replacements, hell.
But Prince Rong is still there.
He will be returning to the capital soon. He might look honest and down to earth but theres actually more to what meets the eye. Hes actually an expert at sizing up the situation.
Situation?
At this current moment, the emperor is the one who has authority, while I am the one who has military power. Both of us are now at a stalemate. If I ever decide to revolt, he will only be able to resist for up to three years with all the troops he has at hand. After three years, this entire country will be ruled by my Long family.
Long Heng
But during these three years, the enemy nation might take the opportunity and attack us while we are at our weakest. The country would be very vulnerable to outside attacks.
That much is true but sooner or later, the emperor will definitely dissolve your military power if you choose not to do anything about it. When that happens, Im afraid our family will be in mortal danger. Bai Xiangxiu began to frown. It seemed like every path they could take was riddled with danger.
Which is why Ive planned a way out. During our time in Tranquil City, Ive bribed almost every single general there. Their families have all been secretly moved to Shu County, except for our family.
Bai Xiangxiu was speechless. This man is only in his twenties right? How can his thoughts be so complicated?
I am a man with a wife and a son, so I dont intend to remain passive. Ive already foreseen this when I realized I was the only person with majority control of the army.
Thank you, Long Heng. Bai Xiangxiu could only hug him tightly as she was at a loss for words.