novelSusiti Chapter 11 Old Li, did you leak the secret to the Emperor?
Chapter 11 Old Li, did you leak the secret to the Emperor?
Lin Chuan was furious, believing that Lao Li might have leaked the contents of their conversation.
"Old Chuan, you're wrong to think that way."
"Do I, Old Li, look like the kind of person who would do that kind of thing? How could I possibly do something so foolish?"
Li Er immediately swore an oath, but deep down he was somewhat uneasy.
Old Sun was puzzled and sighed, "His Majesty's skill in lying is truly frightening."
"Yeah, you two are pretty silly."
Finally, Lin Chuan remained skeptical, believing that Old Li was merely a boorish businessman and unlikely to have any contact with court officials.
Furthermore, he did not encounter any danger, so he decided not to pursue the matter further.
Seeing Lin Chuan's reaction, Li Er finally relaxed, but his face still twitched uncontrollably.
Old Sun was terrified. How dare Lin Chuan address His Majesty like that? He really didn't know his place.
"Old Li, tell me, what brings you here today?"
After brewing the tea, Lin Chuan asked Lao Li directly.
He was dissatisfied with the two men; they were clearly just businessmen, yet they were always concerned with national affairs, which was just making trouble out of nothing.
If it weren't for Old Li's generosity, he wouldn't have bothered with him at all.
"It's nothing, I just haven't been here in a while and I missed you."
Old Li grinned sheepishly; he had come to express his gratitude.
"Alright, stop with the mushy stuff, I'm not interested in men."
Lin Chuan felt a chill run down his spine and responded with an impatient expression.
These words made Li Er's forehead veins bulge, and he cursed inwardly.
But he quickly realized that Lin Chuan was a eunuch, and he might have touched a nerve, so he couldn't help but feel sympathy for him.
Lin Chuan believed that Li Er was implying ill intentions.
"Hurry up, the shop is already closed."
Finally, Lin Chuan could no longer bear it. He was extremely disgusted by Old Li, whose affectionate look was unbearable.
"Your Majesty, Lin Chuan has gone too far with you. Let me handle this."
After leaving the tea shop, Changsun Wuji asked with a serious expression.
Lin Chuan spoke disrespectfully to His Majesty and flirted with him; this is an extreme act of disrespect!
He planned to teach Lin Chuan a lesson.
Upon hearing this, Li Er immediately stopped and gave Changsun Wuji a deep look.
"Auxiliary machine, we absolutely must not let him know our true identities."
"This Lin Chuan is quite interesting. I never expected that such a talented person was hidden in the Imperial Household Department. How come I never noticed him before?"
Immediately afterwards, Li Er spoke again, his tone full of admiration for Lin Chuan.
This made Changsun Wuji tremble slightly.
He knew that His Majesty's opinion of Lin Chuan had completely changed.
At this moment, outside the Ganlu Hall.
Wei Zheng and other civil and military officials were already waiting there, each with a very serious expression.
They had previously ignored Lin Chuan because of the drought in Hedong Province.
Now that the problem has been largely resolved, it is time to propose to His Majesty that he be dismissed.
"Your Majesty, we pay our respects."
Li Er walked slowly in, and Wei Zheng and the other officials bowed.
The smile on Li Er's face vanished instantly, because he knew why these people had come.
"Your Majesty, this is my report."
Just as he expected, Wei Zheng immediately stepped forward, intending to speak.
But Li Er waved his hand, silencing Wei Zheng.
"Since you're all here, I'll make it clear to you."
"Don't mention dismissing Lin Chuan again, and I'm going to promote him."
Li Ershou stood on the steps with his back to him, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
Heavy snow blocked the mountains in the Turkic territory, and the Hedong region suffered a severe drought. Lin Chuan made a great contribution to early warning and resolving these issues.
Otherwise, the Tang Dynasty would have suffered extremely heavy losses.
It was perfectly reasonable to promote him. If it weren't for concerns about others causing trouble, Li Er would have even promoted him to the Three Departments and Six Ministries immediately.
For a moment, everyone was utterly shocked.
They couldn't understand why His Majesty would go back on his word and even reward Lin Chuan; it was puzzling.
Wei Zheng glared angrily!
He cried out in his heart, calling the emperor a tyrant!
"Your Majesty, you must be consistent in word and deed!"
Finally, Wei Zheng rebuked them in a trembling voice, causing the civil and military officials to break out in a cold sweat.
Indeed, Wei Zheng was awe-inspiring!
Only he dared to confront imperial power so directly and reprimand His Majesty.
Li Er was furious and immediately wanted to order Wei Zheng to be dragged out and beheaded.
But he knew that doing so was unrealistic.
First of all, Wei Zheng's original intention was correct. If he were killed, what would others think of him?
Secondly, he admitted to breaching the contract, but he didn't want to explain why.
In the end, he could only angrily fling his sleeves and walk into the imperial study with a livid face.
"Lord Wei is truly upright and incorruptible!"
"But His Majesty is adamant, and we have no other choice."
Outside the imperial study, everyone sighed, unable to comprehend the Emperor's drastic change in attitude, which only strengthened their belief that Lin Chuan was a sorcerer.
"A tyrannical ruler!"
Wei Zheng was equally furious, believing that His Majesty had been deceived.
But he would not give up. As long as Wei Zheng had a breath left, he would definitely eliminate the corruption in the court and never let any treacherous officials succeed.
……
In the Lizheng Hall, Empress Zhangsun was in a bad mood recently because Lin Chuan's medical skills were exceptional, far superior to those of other doctors.
Although she had many palace maids learn medicine, none of them mastered the skills, which troubled her.
As the mother of the nation, she had already incurred the dissatisfaction of civil and military officials for forcibly breaking the established court etiquette.
If she frequently summons Lin Chuan to the palace to treat her health, the ministers will definitely cause even more trouble.
"Your Majesty, you may travel in secret!"
The palace maid, Qingzi, suggested in a low voice that she was favored by the Empress because of her good relationship with Lin Chuan.
Empress Zhangsun's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this suggestion, and she immediately ordered her servants to make preparations; she didn't want to wait even a minute longer.
However, when Empress Zhangsun arrived at the tea shop full of anticipation, she found it was already closed.
The neighbors said that Lin Chuan was taken away by a maid this morning.
This news disappointed and aroused Empress Zhangsun's jealousy.
Because she had long regarded Lin Chuan as her private property and would not allow any woman to approach him, even if he was a eunuch.
Back in the palace, her mood did not improve; she was eager to know who had taken Lin Chuan away.
Those civil and military officials might have designs on him?
Thinking of this, Empress Zhangsun was furious. Could it be that those old guys were targeting her, and now they were turning their attention to Lin Chuan?
This thought made her anxious. If something happened to Lin Chuan, she would make everyone pay the price!
She immediately sent her trusted confidants to find out Lin Chuan's whereabouts.
Soon after, the trusted confidant she had sent out returned, which piqued her curiosity because the return was so fast.
Could Lin Chuan be in the palace?
"Your Majesty, Lin Chuan was indeed summoned by Consort Yang."
The eunuch spoke respectfully.
"boom--"
As soon as she finished speaking, Empress Zhangsun suddenly stood up from her bed, her anger evident in her expression.
"Consort Yang of Sui, you're courting death!"
Empress Zhangsun was furious. She never expected that it was Consort Yang who was behind this.
As the head of the harem, she was usually gentle, but she harbored resentment towards Consort Yang of Sui, because Consort Yang was the daughter of the previous emperor.
It seems she was too lenient with Consort Yang of Sui, so lenient that Consort Yang dared to ride roughshod over her.
Penglai Palace.
Lin Chuan stood in the middle of the corridor, his face expressionless, but he was extremely shocked inside.
He never expected that he would be summoned by Consort Yang.
Lin Chuan felt sympathy for Consort Yang because she was once a princess of the Sui Dynasty, but lost everything due to the fall of her country and the destruction of her family.
This was the beginning of her tragic fate.
As the granddaughter of Dugu Xin, she should have been valued by Li Yuan, but she was given to Li Shimin, who had no hope of inheriting the throne at the time, and could only be a concubine.
Even after Li Er became emperor during the Zhenguan era, she did not receive any special treatment; the title of concubine was only posthumously conferred upon her.
There are very few historical records about her.
Just like in the vast palace, she had few maids and eunuchs around her, making her appear lonely and desolate.
"You're Lin Chuan?"
Just then, a soft voice came from behind the barrier in front.
Lin Chuan responded.
"I heard you have a massage technique that can relieve fatigue, is that true?"
Then, that delicate voice rang out again.
Lin Chuan was very famous in the court, and she was impeached by many civil and military officials every morning court session. Although she rarely appeared in public, she had heard about it.
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuan felt a pang of anxiety.
"Are you worried about me?" Consort Yang asked.
Lin Chuan was shocked.
She was, after all, an imperial princess, and she was intelligent!
"Come here, I'll carry it," said Consort Yang.
She stayed in Penglai Palace for too long and became unwell.
The imperial physicians were hypocritical; they were clearly acting on the Empress's orders, and none of them actually treated her.
She could only sigh helplessly.
After hearing about this, Lin Chuan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to step forward.
Now I just hope that Empress Zhangsun won't find out.
He strode through the barrier and saw a stunningly beautiful woman lying on her side on the bed.
It was Consort Yang!
She was once an imperial princess, so she naturally possessed an extraordinary noble air, and her appearance was exceptionally beautiful.
But there was always a hint of worry between his brows.
Lin Chuan was instantly stunned by her beauty.
Seeing Lin Chuan lost in thought, Consort Yang immediately frowned and asked, "How do you need my cooperation?"
Lin Chuan snapped out of his daze, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and replied, "Just lie flat."
Consort Yang immediately did as she was told, lying flat on the couch.
Lin Chuan composed himself and began to treat her.
……
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"
Suddenly, a proclamation was made outside the hall.
Lin Chuan immediately straightened up, tense!
His worst fears have come true!
Consort Yang, who had been lying comfortably on the bed, frowned slightly before breaking into a smile.
Empress Zhangsun's feelings for her had been a long-standing issue, and she was already used to it.
She slowly got up, straightened her clothes, and then calmly walked out of the room.
"Consort Yang, how dare you!"
"How dare you summon my personal eunuch?"
Empress Zhangsun walked in coldly, and upon seeing Lin Chuan, she immediately reprimanded him sternly.
The palace maids and eunuchs were all trembling with fear.
Consort Yang showed no reaction, but bowed slightly as a gesture of respect to the Empress.
"What does Your Majesty mean by this?"
"Although Lin Chuan has been appointed as the imperial eunuch by you, his official status is still that of a member of the Inner Palace Attendants Bureau."
"Why can't I summon him?"
Consort Yang asked calmly. She had not violated any etiquette, and even if the matter reached the Emperor, she did not feel guilty.
Lin Chuan couldn't help but move his lips, thinking to himself that Consort Yang was indeed tough.
It's ironic that a grown man like him is fought over by two women, especially since he's also a eunuch.
"He is my personal eunuch."
Empress Zhangsun's face darkened; she hadn't expected Consort Yang to dare to argue with her.
Even though she knew that these words would cause controversy if they got out, she was not afraid to say them in front of Consort Yang.
Because she was once the eldest princess of the previous dynasty.
Historically, the victors are kings and the losers are villains; no one has the right to claim credit for the losers.
Even if she spreads rumors, no one will believe her; instead, they will criticize her.
Upon hearing this, Consort Yang was only slightly surprised, but quickly regained her composure.
If it weren't for the fact that Lin Chuan was a eunuch who had been castrated, she would indeed be shocked and suspect whether Empress Changsun wanted to have an affair with him.
However, Lin Chuan is indeed handsome and has a unique temperament, which makes him very attractive.
"How could a concubine possibly compete with the Empress?"
Consort Yang said with a smile that she had been fighting with Empress Zhangsun for many years and knew her personality well.
Generally speaking, as long as you don't have a direct confrontation with her, there shouldn't be any problems.
Furthermore, she firmly believed that if she interfered in Lin Chuan's affairs, Empress Zhangsun would be furious!
This is the source of the dissatisfaction among the court officials towards her.
"Distinguish your responsibilities and understand what you should and shouldn't do!"
Empress Zhangsun did not press the matter further and immediately left Penglai Palace with Lin Chuan.
……
Lizheng Hall.
"Your Majesty, Consort Yang did not do it on purpose."
Lin Chuan stood aside and bowed. He felt sympathy for Consort Yang, but at the same time, he was filled with anger towards Li Er.
This hypocrite, who appears to be enlightened and forgiving, is actually the one who wronged Consort Yang the most.
"You have designs on her?"
Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes.
Lin Chuan can contact anyone, but he must never contact Consort Yang.
"I dare not."
Lin Chuan was at a loss and gave up arguing, but he also understood that the Empress was not truly angry.
Lin Chuan couldn't help but shiver, feeling astonished.
"Since you're here today, let's begin!"
Guanyin, who was on the bed, glanced at Lin Chuan, satisfied with his attitude, and then spoke slowly.
"Whoosh—"
Her words caused Lin Chuan's body to tremble violently, and his expression became extremely strange.
I don't know whether I should feel happy or frustrated.
Because bathing in ancient times was different from bathing in modern times, it specifically referred to washing feet and hair.
In the royal family, people usually bathe once every three days and take a bath once every five days.
Now that I think about it, it was definitely time to take a shower.
Lin Chuan was immediately excited.
After all, not everyone gets to see or experience something like this.
For a eunuch to reach this level is unprecedented in history.
Lin Chuan responded and got up to prepare toiletries.
……
The morning court session was held in the Taiji Hall.
After being reprimanded by His Majesty outside the Imperial Study last time, the civil and military officials, although they have not given up, have restrained their behavior and no longer target Lin Chuan every time.
But today they found an opportunity because yesterday Empress Zhangsun and Consort Yang had a dispute over Lin Chuan.
This has become a big deal!
How could the peace of the harem be affected by a eunuch?
If this situation continues, the harem will be in chaos!
This would not only affect His Majesty, but also hinder the governance of the country.
The civil and military officials stepped forward one after another, once again demanding that Lin Chuan's title and status as a royal eunuch be abolished.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"The fact that the harem was thrown into turmoil because of a eunuch is clear evidence of corruption."
Wei Zheng still took the lead, daring to say what others dared not say, practically risking his life.