Chapter 69 Leaning towards the eighth prince (2)
“I sent a few old ginsengs a while ago. I wonder if old ancestor has used them? How were they? If they are good, Lin Qing will send you some more,” Lin Qing said.
“You, although, you didn’t accept me as your godfather, but you are more filial than any of those old guys that I took as godsons. I accept your kind intentions. I haven’t used those things yet. After all, the high-quality lingzhi that you send before were very good. I have been using them.”
Liu Xian squinted his eyes and turned the hickory in his hand that was covered with complicated lines satisfied. Only by looking at the color and luster, he knew that this was a very rare valuable object. The value was extremely high.
Like other eunuchs, Liu Xian loved money and have saved a lot for his later years. He has no shortage of money, but Lin Qing still gave him many rare and precious things like this pair of hickory. They were plucked from the hickory tree that is a few hundred years old. They were definitely rare and precious.
“Since old ancestor find it good to use, Lin Qing will definitely send some more,” Lin Qing continued when he saw that Liu Xian liked it.
“Alright, don’t be polite with me. After pleasing me, are you still not telling me the reason you came here for? If you still don’t say it, I’m going to sleep. Old people don’t have much spirits,” Liu Xian said while turning the hickories in his hand.
Lin Qing sincerely regarded him as an elder and had been very filial towards him. After all, people like them who didn’t have the love of their parents and who may not even dare to go see their ancestors after death, that someone was kind to you was godsend.
Liu Xian had been kind to him, hence, he was very grateful to him. Pleasing him was also something that he ought to do. Since Liu Xian mentioned the matter first, he also didn’t delay any longer. Lin Qing looked down at the table and said, “I don’t have to mention the opinions that the officials at court have of me. Old ancestors, you also know that no one who sit in the position of the Department of Supervision wouldn’t be scolded.”
Lin Qing paused for a while and continued, “If they scold, let them just scold. After all, one can’t die from getting scolded at. People like us know about this. However, the bad thing is that His Majesty also handed me the Prefecture of Arrest. At that time, His Majesty had just ascended the throne and didn’t have many people that he could trust and people like us are the best to use. Without children, he wouldn’t be afraid that some errant thoughts would emerge.”
Hearing this, Liu Xian also sighed, “You are right. Without children, what can we want?” There was not even a caring lover. Thinking till here, Liu Xian felt sorrowful. The declining years were desolate. “So?” Liu Xian asked.
Lin Qing raised his head and said with bit helplessness in his eyes, “My authority is too big, but I also can’t let go of it anymore. I helped His Majesty offend so many people and am hated by all the officials at court. If I don’t grasp onto this authority, I wouldn’t even know how I ended up dead. If I let them off, they will not let me off. Also, all I have now is based on the liking that His Majesty had graced me with. But who could be sure about the things like liking?”
“What do you want to say?” Liu Xian suddenly looked at him sharply as if he was trying to see through him.
Lin Qing lowered his head again and said, “Old ancestor, don’t worry. I will never do anything that would be unfavorable to Great Liang nor do I have such ambition.”
Liu Xian sighed and said, “Then, what are you thinking?” Although, he had retired, but his loyalty towards the imperial household hasn’t changed. He had been a slave for so many years. His loyalty towards the imperial family had long been carved into his bones and he would even bring it into his coffin.
“Forget it, if the court officials dislike me. However, the most fatal thing is that the Eastern Palace also dislike me.”
Liu Xian who was turning the hickories stopped. His old eyes looked straight at Lin Qing.
Lin Qing sighed again and said, “Old ancestor, my power is too great, making many people feel uneasy. Only death can make their hearts feel at ease.”
Lin Qing continued, “You presumably have heard what had happened a while ago. I did that, but it is also what they forced me to do.”
Liu Xian’s mouth was wide open and his were a bit unstable when he said, “So many people…sinful!” Liu Xian said in a sorrowful way. He has more scruples and said, “Then, you have no place for you to stand in court now?”
“Yes,” Lin Qing whispered. “The moment His Majesty passed, no matter if the Eastern Palace gets the throne or third prince who is now favored, and no matter if it is because of personal reasons or the pressure from the court officials, they will not tolerate me.”
“I understand,” Liu Xian nodded. “You came this time because you want me to give you some ideas?”
Lin Qing nodded and looked at him. Liu Xian stopped talking. The hickories in his hand turned more eagerly. The dim and brightly lit room were filled with a strong scent. The room was quiet for a while and the atmosphere was a bit oppressive.
After a long time, Liu Xian stopped the turn of his hand. A ray of light came out his eyes and he said slowly, “Doesn’t His Majesty still has an eighth prince?”
Hearing this, Lin Qing nodded slowly. Liu Xian didn’t point it out directly and just looked at him like that. He knew that Lin Qing understood what he meant.
Lin Qing sighed from relief and looked out of the window. Liu Xian smiled, “In fact, you understand what to do in your heart. You just came here to hear my opinion and it is also for you to be surer of what you have to do.”
A smile finally appeared on Lin Qing’s face. He got up, looked at Liu Xian and said, “Thanking old ancestor for pointing out.”
Liu Xian motioned with his hand and said, “There is nothing else that people like us care about except our own fate. You are considerate towards me, what does it matter if I give you some ideas?”
“Old ancestor is humble,” Lin Qing said sincerely. With Liu Xian’s approval, he felt more confident in his heart. Hence, this sentence was also sincere.
“But?” Liu Xian turned the hickories in his hand and said, “What is the reason that you have offended so many officials at all costs before?”
Lin Qing paused. A slightly uncomfortable smile appeared on his cold and effeminate face and he said, “A person.”
“Who?” Liu Xian asked curiously. One had to know that aside from himself, there are no one else that could make a eunuch care about. Who was it that made Lin Qing willingly pay such a high price? Liu Xian was truly very curious.
“A woman…,” Lin Qing said hesitantly.
“What?”
“…”
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