Quick Transmigration: Forced Into A Forced Love Affair With The Villain - Chapter 8

Zhao Gongxian felt like he was being pricked by needles. He wanted to retort, but he was at a loss for words; having such private family matters dragged into the public spotlight was mortifying. In a fit of exasperation, he snapped, “You eunuch, cease your nonsense! My wife and I are as respectful as guests. Furthermore, it is perfectly normal for a man to have many concubines. Whom I marry is none of your concern!”

He offered a mocking, self-satisfied smile. “Oh, my apologies, my memory fails me. An incomplete person like Lin Gonggong surely wouldn’t understand the pleasures of being a man.”

The surrounding ministers enjoyed the show. They had resented this eunuch for a long time; by clinging to the little Emperor, he had blocked their paths to power too often.

The smile on Lin Zili’s face vanished instantly, replaced by an expression of icy coldness. He narrowed his eyes, a sharp, frigid glint flashing within. “Minister Zhao’s words are quite interesting. Though I am incomplete, I still understand morality, righteousness, and shame. I know that a man should never abandon his faithful wife. If you believe having many concubines is something to be proud of, then I must strongly disagree.”

Minister Zhao choked on his words. “You—”

Before he could continue, Lin Zili turned and knelt before the little Emperor. With a straight back, his voice filled with grievance and defiance: “Your Majesty, though I am an incomplete man, I have always served you with unwavering loyalty. I never imagined Minister Zhao would use such personal matters to attack me on an occasion like this. It was Minister Zhao who acted wrongly, yet he insists on saying such hurtful things to me. I beg Your Majesty to grant me justice!”

Minister Zhao’s eyes widened in disbelief. No, I didn’t get a single jab in, and you’re the one playing the victim!

Yan Jingxuan sat near the little Emperor. Hearing Lin Zili’s submissive yet resilient plea, he felt a strange, numbing sensation in his heart, as if the words had been spoken to him. Seeing Minister Zhao fuming and about to speak, Yan Jingxuan interrupted first: “Minister Zhao favoring his concubine over his wife is indeed improper. According to the laws of our dynasty, this warrants eighty strokes and one year of hard labor. However, considering Minister Zhao has not yet caused a major disaster, let us settle for thirty strokes and the forfeiture of two years’ salary, to be handed over to your wife to manage. Imperial nephew, what do you think?”

Lin Zili looked over in surprise, not expecting Yan Jingxuan to speak up for him. The ministers were also shocked, unable to understand why Yan Jingxuan would choose this moment to intervene, especially since his words were so unexpected. He was actually protecting this treacherous official.

Zhao Gongxian’s eyes showed sheer disbelief as he cried out: “Your Highness!”

“Why? Does Minister Zhao have an opinion on my judgment?”

Yan Jingxuan looked at him. The emotion in his eyes made Zhao Gongxian feel icy cold, as if an invisible pressure was suffocating him, making him dare not say another word.

The little Emperor frowned, pondering for a moment before speaking: “Imperial Uncle is correct. Let us follow his advice and deal with Minister Zhao accordingly.”

Upon hearing this, Minister Zhao’s face turned deathly pale. He wanted to plead for mercy, but seeing Yan Jingxuan’s chilling gaze, he swallowed the words back. He could only grit his teeth and reply: “I obey the decree.”

Lin Zili offered his thanks and rose. Even though Yan Jingxuan had helped him, his gaze remained cold, and even carried a touch of resentment. Meddlesome busybody!

Yan Jingxuan couldn’t help but chuckle in frustration. Such an ungrateful little thing.

Lin Zili scanned the other ministers with a gaze full of anticipation, hoping some other fool would trigger his temper. But having witnessed him take down two ministers in a row, the others were terrified. They busied themselves with their wine and conversation, not daring to look up.

The rest of the banquet lost all its joy and ease. Lin Zili smirked to himself—this was exactly the task he had assigned Ye Ping over the past few days: to dig up the scandals of every major official. There were deeper secrets, of course, but those were hard to unearth on such short notice; he could not deliver a fatal blow just yet.

As the banquet neared its end, Yan Jingzhi grew drowsy, rubbing his eyes incessantly. “Banban, I want to go back to sleep.”

Seeing the Emperor’s exhaustion, Lin Zili said softly: “Your Majesty, allow this servant to escort you back to the palace to rest.” He took Yan Jingzhi’s hand and helped him up. The ministers all rose to bow.

Just then, Yan Jingxuan stood up and stopped them. “Your Majesty, I have a request.”

Lin Zili and Yan Jingzhi stopped and turned to look at him. The ministers’ gazes followed suit. Yan Jingzhi, fighting off sleep, asked: “Imperial Uncle, what is your request?”

Lin Zili felt a sense of foreboding as Yan Jingxuan’s eyes landed on him. The next moment, he heard him say: “I have been away from my estate for many years and lack a personal attendant. I have noticed that Lin Gonggong is meticulous in his work, and I wish to request that you assign him to my service for a time.”

Cheng Wei and Zhao Ran, sitting beside him, looked at him in shock, their chopsticks dropping their food. What is wrong with the Regent? We have lived and eaten with him for years, and he has never cared about anyone. Moreover, this person is not a beauty—he is a eunuch! Could it be…

Cheng Wei recalled rumors that Yan Jingxuan was uninterested in women and, looking at Lin Zili’s stunningly beautiful face, arrived at a bold conclusion. Doesn’t the Regent like men? He shuddered. No, that doesn’t seem right. The army camp was full of men, and he never looked twice at any soldier.

He looked at Lin Zili again and understood. A beauty like Lin Gonggong is indeed rare. If the Regent does like men, it makes sense he would be attracted. Cheng Wei looked at Lin Zili with pity. It was unclear if being favored by the Regent was a blessing or a curse—may he be safe.

Yan Jingzhi’s eyes widened, his drowsiness vanishing. He immediately refused: “No! Banban must be by my side; I cannot give him to you!”

Lin Zili was also shocked. He silently screamed—why was Yan Jingxuan making such a demand? If he were forced into the Regent’s mansion, his plans would be ruined. He hurried to plead his case.

“Your Majesty, I have served you for many years and am accustomed to being by your side. I truly cannot bear to leave you; I hope Your Majesty will not grant the Regent’s request.”

Yan Jingxuan remained calm and continued: “Your Majesty, Lin Gonggong is highly capable. I only intend for him to assist in the mansion for a few days. Once I have the affairs of the estate in order, I shall naturally send him back to your side. Furthermore, with Lin Gonggong managing my household, I can better serve the court and assist you.”

Yan Jingzhi frowned, scratching his head in frustration. On one hand, he could not be without Lin Zili; on the other, this was his uncle. After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke: “Imperial Uncle, Banban has always been with me, and I truly cannot part with him. How about I find you another capable person for your mansion instead?”

Yan Jingxuan shook his head slightly, his gaze unwavering: “Your Majesty, no one else is as meticulous and suitable as Lin Gonggong. I have considered this carefully before daring to ask. I hope Your Majesty will grant my wish.”