Quick Transmigration: Forced Into A Forced Love Affair With The Villain - Chapter 5

Although Yan Jingzhi was young and did not fully comprehend the cruelty of war, he knew that victory meant their nation was secure and that the common people would no longer have to live in displacement or fear.

His delicate face was filled with earnest joy. Gripping the armrests of his throne tightly, he spoke in a clear voice: “My ministers, the Regent’s triumph is a great fortune for our dynasty. Once the Regent returns, I shall reward him handsomely and host a grand banquet to welcome him and his soldiers home!”

The Minister of Rites hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: “Your Majesty, please be assured. We will spare no effort in arranging the welcoming ceremony. From the grand procession into the city to the victory banquet, everything will be meticulously prepared so as not to disappoint Your Majesty or the brave soldiers.”

Lin Zili stood to the side, listening to the ministers—who usually had nothing but disdain for him—lavish endless praise upon the Regent for his heroism and martial prowess. A flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes. However, he knew that even with the little Emperor’s favor, this was not a matter he could interfere with. He was forced to listen to the grating praise while maintaining a facade of polite smiles.

He endured until the audience was adjourned. After settling the little Emperor, Lin Zili returned to his own quarters. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became; in a fit of rage, he swept the tea set off his table.

The sound of shattering porcelain exploded through the room, startling the young eunuch who had come to serve him. The boy fled in terror, realizing that when Lin Gonggong was in a temper, it was best to stay far away.

Inside, expensive teacups lay shattered on the floor, and tea was splattered everywhere, but the resentment in Lin Zili’s heart remained undiminished.

“Bastards! They are all sycophants! If it weren’t for—if it weren’t for—” Lin Zili ground his teeth, his resentment running deep.

Ye Ping pushed the door open to find the mess. He showed no surprise, simply calling out to the attendants outside to clean it up. He walked slowly to Lin Zili’s side and whispered, “What is the matter?”

Seeing him, Lin Zili’s expression softened, though his face remained flushed from his recent outburst and his eyes were slightly moist. “You didn’t see them. Those people were like dogs begging for a bone. Why? I have done so much for this court, managing everything from top to bottom, yet just because I am a eunuch, they look down on me!”

Ye Ping sighed softly, handed him a cup of fresh tea, and said, “The court situation is complex. With the Regent’s power rising, it is only natural for the ministers to want to curry favor. But since the Emperor favors you, why bother with them and upset yourself?”

Lin Zili snorted dismissively: “Easier said than done. Whenever I look into their eyes, I feel an urge to dig them out.” He paused, his eyes gleaming with a sudden thought: “Brother Ye Ping, I need you to do something for me.”

Seeing his tone, Ye Ping’s gaze softened. He leaned in and said, “Just command me.”

Lin Zili whispered into his ear. Ye Ping looked at him for a moment and then nodded. “Rest assured, I will handle it.”

Ye Ping pulled a small box from his sleeve and presented it like a treasure: “This is a scented balm I bought outside. The fragrance is elegant and refined; I thought it would suit you.”

Lin Zili accepted it with delight, his face breaking into a bright smile: “Thank you, Brother Ye Ping.”

Seeing him happy, Ye Ping smiled, feeling relieved. After they spoke a while longer, Ye Ping left.

As soon as Ye Ping was out of sight, Lin Zili looked at the cheap balm in his hand, tossed it into a corner with disgust, and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his fingers meticulously. Anything so base was unworthy of touching his hands.

Ye Ping was also a godson of the old eunuch, a few years his senior. He had always been kind to him and handled many matters in secret. If there was anyone in the palace he could trust, it was Ye Ping.

However, Lin Zili sighed, feeling agitated. Ye Ping was useful, but he had too many ideas. Did he think he was worthy of coveting him? He should look at his own status first.

The system suddenly spoke: “I suggest you retrieve that item. It is much more expensive than you think. Ye Ping spent his entire savings on it; it is not much different from a gift from the Emperor.”

Lin Zili’s feigned expression stiffened: “That tiny box is expensive? Is Ye Ping an idiot? Can’t he see through my hypocrisy?”

“He sees it, but he wants to treat you well regardless. He does not expect a response from you.”

Lin Zili retrieved the box he had thrown. Seeing the chip in the paint, he wiped it carefully and tucked it into his robes with a complex expression. “I remember that Ye Ping’s ending was quite tragic, right?”

“Similar to yours. After you died, he spent his life trying to avenge you, plotting against the Regent and attempting assassinations. He failed every time and eventually took his own life with a cup of poisoned wine.”

Fine, just another poor little cannon fodder.

Lin Zili asked: “If I want to change his fate, will I be penalized?”

“Yes. Since he is not a main character and does not appear in the original text, the penalty will not be heavy. But I suggest you do not waste your effort. You are destined to die, and your death is what causes his ruin. Unless you survive, he cannot survive. That is, of course, impossible, unless you want a ten-fold penalty fine. Think it over.”

Lin Zili frowned: “Let me think.”

To discourage him, the system continued: “I must remind you that you are currently in debt. If you cannot pay the fine, the central organization will lock you in solitary confinement. One hundred years minimum, no maximum. Consider carefully. If you are locked up, I might be slightly inconvenienced, but I can easily guide someone else. Do not expect me to bail you out.”

Lin Zili: “You are truly ruthless.”

Forget it. He could barely save his own skin; it was best not to play the hero.

A few days passed, and the Regent’s troops formally arrived at the gates of the capital. The massive army entered the city, their fierce and imposing aura shocking to behold. The soldiers marched in perfect formation, their steady, powerful steps echoing clearly against the silence of the streets, as if each strike hit the hearts of the onlookers.

The Regent, Yan Jingxuan, rode at the front of the procession on a tall steed. His stature was tall and upright, his face as cold as frost. The typically deep, sharp gaze in his eyes now held a hint of ease. High above, he surveyed the people lining the streets to welcome him, gazing at the brick and mortar of the capital with a face devoid of emotion.