I Am A Corrupt Official, Yet They Say I Am A Loyal Minister!

Chapter 347: The World Shares One Stone of Beauty, Yet I Alone Possess Eight Measures!

Chapter 347: The World Shares One Stone of Beauty, Yet I Alone Possess Eight Measures!

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Though it was just a casual conversation with Lin Beifan, the impact on Zhao Kuo was immense! Soldiers are a nations pivotal affair, the ground of life and death, the way of survival and demisethese cannot be neglected.

Regarding warfare, the superior engages with strategy before attacking; then they engage in diplomacy before attacking alliances, followed by attacking armies, and finally besieging cities. To defeat the enemy without fighting is the height of military strategy; to subdue the enemys king without fighting is the epitome of skill; and to conquer a country without a battle is the ultimate strategy.

A skilled warrior achieves success without being conspicuous. These concepts of military strategy completely overturned his previous understanding, causing a profound shock and excitement.

The sensation was akin to a martial artist obtaining an unparalleled divine technique they had long yearned fora mix of ecstatic surprise and overwhelming delight. Zhao Kuos gaze at Lin Beifan was full of admiration.

Truly, he was a master of military strategy, a divine general of war tactics. No wonder he had led four campaigns, all resulting in comprehensive victories. His military doctrine had transcended that of contemporary times.

The military strategies and tactics he had learned over the years were incomparable to Lin Beifans. It was as different as night and day.

No, he must go back and digest everything thoroughly before seeking further guidance.

So, after sorting everything out, he would return for more advice. With a respectful bow, he said, I am deeply grateful for the guidance, Lord Prome Minister. Ive gained valuable insights. But today, Ive already troubled you much, so I shall take my leave. When Lord Prome Minister has the time in the future, I would be honored to continue learning. I implore you, please do not hesitate to instruct me.

Lin Beifan nodded approvingly, smiling gently. Your willingness to learn signifies my intent to teach. As the Principal of the Imperial Academy, I favor those who are diligent learners and open to seeking advice.

Zhao Kuo was overjoyed. Thank you for your generosity, Lord Prome Minister. I shall take my leave now.

With a wave of Lin Beifans hand, Zhao Kuo bowed and left the study.

Lin Beifan continued his artwork, and after a while, a white figure appeared across the table.

Lin Beifan remained composed. Bai Guanyin, youve come.

Bai Guanyin looked surprised. You actually taught Zhao Kuo military strategy?

Lin Beifan calmly replied, He wanted to learn, so I taught him. Its not that big of a deal.

But he suffered defeat in Northern Hebei, causing the court to lose 400,000 troops. Although he saved his life, he was demoted and has no hope for advancement. Why would you still teach him? Bai Guanyin asked, puzzled.

People make mistakes. If they can change for the better and be given another chance, why not? Lin Beifan smiled. Look, the court is filled with corrupt officials and treacherous ministers. Their sins are no smaller than Zhao Kuos. Should we just execute them all? If we do that, who will govern the court? Who will manage the country, dont you think?

Bai Guanyin pondered for a moment before nodding. Taking a life is simple, but saving one is difficult. Saving a nation is even harder. It requires numerous talents to work relentlessly, building upon the past and striving for the future, to truly rescue the country and its people.

Zhao Kuo is a young man, inexperienced and prone to impulsiveness. Making mistakes is normal, but life still stretches ahead of him, brimming with endless possibilities! Giving him another chance might lead to him becoming a talented general or a pillar of the nation in the future.

You make a very valid point, Bai Guanyin nodded and smiled. But youre a young person too. How come I havent seen you make any mistakes?

Lin Beifan spread his hands with a wry smile. You know my situation very well. If I make one mistake, my life will be ruined. So, I must tread carefully, avoiding any errors, or else others might use it against me.

In reality, now that youve become the Prime Minister, standing above thousands of others, you have the capability to achieve your ambitions, to save the country and its people, making life better for everyone, Bai Guanyin remarked.

I can only say that Ill do my best. Serving in office, benefiting a regiondoing that with a clear conscience is enough. As for the future and how far I can go, perhaps only fate knows. Bai Guanyin, I have three questions I want to ask you.

Go ahead, Bai Guanyin replied.

Lin Beifans gaze flickered slightly. Initially, you told me that you wanted to use the money I gained from corruption to accomplish a grand task. Once this task is achieved, it would undoubtedly overturn the entire dynasty and improve the lives of the common people. What exactly is this task you intend to undertake?

Bai Guanyin smiled gently, calmly inquiring, You finally remember this matter. I thought youd never ask. What do you think I would use this money for?

Lin Beifans gaze flickered. To change the dynasty, to overthrow the Great Wu Dynasty.

Bai Guanyin neither nodded nor shook her head. Due to the white mist enveloping her face, Lin Beifan couldnt discern her features, leaving him unsure of her intentions.

Little did he know, hidden within the white mist, her exquisite face wore a slightly mischievous expression. Indeed, I did have that intention. But now, Ive noticed that under your influence, the state of Great Wu is gradually improving.

Youve repeatedly dealt with the court officials, making them more honest and preventing any unruliness. The three major rebellious kings were captured, putting an end to the fractured fiefdoms within Great Wu, restoring unity. Furthermore, youve implemented various policies that benefit the people and invented numerous tools that benefit the nation and its citizens. The lives of the common people are improving day by day!

So, Im not sure now if I should continue or not. Because if it were up to me, I definitely wouldnt have done as well as you. You really put me in a difficult situation!

Lin Beifan asked, So, whats your current thought?

Bai Guanyin earnestly replied, Although the three major rebel kings have been dealt with, corrupt officials still hold power within the Great Wu territory, and greed-driven officials run rampant. They are just subdued due to your presence. However, the situation in Great Wu hasnt fundamentally changed, and sooner or later, it will revert back.

Lin Beifan smiled wryly. This takes time. We need to cultivate numerous upright and capable ministers, gradually replace these corrupt officials and foul bureaucrats, and then implement strict integrity systems to truly turn things around.

I understand perfectly. In Great Wu, youve given me hope, so I wont take action. But in case youre not around anymore, I might not be able to hold back. So, you better stay in Great Wu as much as possible. Either use your peaceful methods to bring about change or Ill resort to my methods, the drastic ones, to save Great Wu.

Lin Beifan sighed. Everything I do is like carrying my head in my pants. I cant even guarantee my own safety. I can only take it one day at a time, and in the end, I might have no choice but to escape.

Bai Guanyin chuckled, Even if you want to run, there are people who wont let you.

By the way, why did you suddenly have this doubt?

Lin Beifan sighed again. Sigh, its all because of the Empress.

Bai Guanyin was surprised. Because of the Empress?

Yes, after all, this is her country. If you overthrow Great Wu, how would she cope? I cant bear to see her lose her way or even lose her life because of it.

Bai Guanyin suddenly understood. So, youre worried about the Empress?

Yes, after more than a year of being together, Ive developed feelings. I dont want anything to happen to her.

So, what do you think of the Empress as a person?

Lin Beifan spoke fondly, Shes incredibly captivating and beautiful, a peerless beauty. Many criticize her as an incompetent ruler, but I dont think shes that bad. Shes just a bit confused in her decisions and sometimes lets emotions cloud her judgment.

For example?

She keeps pampering me relentlessly, giving me all the best food, drink, and entertainment. Its sapping away my motivation, leaving me just to drift through life. Life without aspirations is no different from being a salted fish. She keeps promoting me, granting me titles and power, letting me rise continually. Until now, Ive become the Prime Minister, and she even granted me titles like Loyal and Valiant Duke. Isnt she afraid that Ill become too powerful and challenge her authority?

Bai Guanyin continued to suppress her laughter.

Moreover, shes completely unguarded around me! These past few days, Ive been engaged in intense battles with several grandmasters. Its become enough of a threat to the imperial power! But she hasnt asked too many questions, and she even recalled the Embroidered Uniform Guards, Six Doors, and other surveillance personnel!

Lin Beifan sighed, Fortunately, I have no intention of rebelling, or else shed be in big trouble.

Isnt all of this behavior characteristic of an incompetent ruler? Bai Guanyin asked.

If she treated every official this way, then yes, she might be an incompetent ruler. But she only treats me like this, so the situation is different, Lin Beifan replied.

Whats different? Bai Guanyin inquired.

In a hushed voice, Lin Beifan confided, Let me tell you a secret. I suspect that the Empress has been lusting after my looks, which is why she gives me all these good things. In other words, shes infatuated and smitten.

Bai Guanyin was shocked. This seems unlikely?

Whats unlikely? Lin Beifan snapped, as if he had long seen through it. Ever since I entered the court and became an official, the way she looks at me has changed. She makes me attend morning exercises every day just so she can see me. When other officials attack me, she defends me multiple times! Giving me so many good things its all a sign of her affection!

Actually, thinking about it, its normal. After all, Im a one-in-a-million kind of guy, a peerless handsome man in the court. Naturally, its irresistible for her! Sigh, being the Empress isnt easy. She spends her days in the palace, surrounded by a bunch of old geezers with graying hair and missing teeth..!

Bai Guanyin pressed her hand to her forehead. Arent you a bit narcissistic?

Lin Beifan confidently explained, Im not being narcissistic; Im stating facts. The worlds beauty is like one stone, but Im taking eight measures of it! Any woman who can resist my charms hasnt been born yet. The Empress is a woman, and shes no exception!

Bai Guanyin couldnt help but burst into laughter. Youre indeed narcissistic, and quite excessively!

After Bai Guanyin returned, she suppressed her amusement and reported this matter to the Empress.

The Empress was so irritated that she gritted her teeth. Did Lin Beifan really say that?

Bai Guanyin covered her mouth and laughed. I might have toned it down a bit. After all, my skin isnt as thick as his.

The Empress was itching with anger. He dares to think such thoughts about me? Ill definitely deal with him properly!

Yes, you must deal with him properly! Bai Guanyin chimed in with amusement.

TLN: And in the end, the Empress will also become one of his harem. In the NU review, some complained that the Empress seemed forgotten, even though she was the first heroine to appear. Hey, buddy, shes the Empress, she cant just fall for him like that. Her status doesnt allow for it