Chapter 401

Chapter 401 Thank You, I Hate You!

The gently flickering oil lamp emitted a soft crackling sound, casting brilliant sparks throughout the room. The atmosphere inside was eerily quiet, and Lin Wanrong felt as if he could hear the pounding of his own heart.

Seo Jang Geum's beautiful eyes were closed gently, and two large tears slowly welled up, her face flushed with an extraordinary, alluring, and feverish red. Her delicate skin was as smooth as glass, shining incomparably under the lamp, seemingly as translucent as crystal. Her nose and cheeks were exquisite, her beautiful eyes slightly closed, and her cherry-red mouth slightly open, trembling as she exhaled a hot and fragrant breath.

She was only dressed in a set of fiery red lingerie, her full and towering bosom half exposed, her ample breasts pushing up the fabric, and the deep cleavage inviting one's imagination. Her waist was slender, as soft as creamy fat, her plump and beautiful hips like newly ground millstones, round and full. Her long and graceful legs were tightly closed, smooth and lustrous, seemingly washed with milk, without a single flaw. Her slender legs were slightly trembling, and the exquisite whiteness shimmered seductively in the dim light. This body, with its perfect curves, was like a flawless work of art, making it unbearable to touch.

"Sir, please save the people of Goryeo. For them, I am willing to give anything," Seo Jang Geum's tears fell like raindrops, her body shivering. At first glance, she seemed frail and helpless, yet she looked extraordinarily elegant and refined. S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Jang Geum Dongsaeng, what are you doing? A gentleman loves beauty but must acquire it in a proper way. To take it improperly would lead to decay," Lord Lin said righteously, yet his eyes couldn't help but fall on her, enjoying the soft and fragrant contours of her body. Her body was truly a feast for the eyes.

‘My goodness, the Goryeo women of this time should not have had any plastic surgery, right? This must be the original and genuine material,’ Lord Lin thought to himself, uncontrollably.

Seo Jang Geum's face was flushed with embarrassment, her beautiful lower lip almost bitten through: "Sir, please agree to my request. I am willing to give anything to save the people of Goryeo."

Hearing her words, Lord Lin suddenly became furious: "Miss Seo, what do you mean by this? Do you think you are an object for exchange, or do you think I'm a fool? Let me tell you very seriously, you have underestimated me!"

Seo Jang Geum sobbed: "Sir, please treat me as a commodity. Besides this way, I can't think of any other solution. Goryeo is in imminent danger, people are shedding blood, and I, a weak woman, have no other way but this."

"You think you're weak? Do you think the Goryeo people are truly helpless? You say it's all for the Goryeo people, do you think you are great?" Lord Lin sneered: "Do you really think I, Lin San, am such a fool that I would go to war just for a few words from you?"

Hearing him speak like this seemed to arouse Seo Jang Geum's pride. Her face flushed even deeper, yet she bravely straightened her chest, the breasts hidden beneath her red lingerie trembling: "Master Lin, did I say something wrong? I do not seek personal greatness, nor do I seek eternal fame. I only wish for the happiness and well-being of my Goryeo compatriots, to live forever in joy and contentment. Is that wrong?"

In her excitement, her delicate skin flushed with waves of beautiful red, catching Lin Wanrong's eyes and leaving them dazzled. His heart was filled with infatuation, and he had to silently chant a mantra to suppress the lustful fire within.

"Miss Seo," he said, finally finding his voice, "I suppose you have some self-awareness, knowing that you are praying for the happiness and well-being of the Goryeo people. Every word you speak is about them, and you truly are great! But don't forget, what you are asking for now is the help of the people of Great Hua. Have you ever considered us? In order to save your Goryeo people, our Great Hua sons must wage war across nations, fight on the battlefield. How many lives will be lost, how many wives will lose husbands, how many children will lose fathers? How much will our national treasury suffer? Have you calculated that? Your Goryeo people may suffer less, but has that suffering vanished into thin air? No, it has shifted onto the people of Great Hua. We are bearing the suffering for your Goryeo. Do you understand?"

Lin Wanrong spoke in one breath, feeling incomparably exhilarated. He detested people like her, who loudly proclaimed to save their nation and people, full of slogans but when it came to action, ten of them were not equal to one man.

"But Master Lin," Seo Jang Geum spoke without fear of his imposing demeanor, "Have you thought that once Dongyin annexes Goryeo, settles on the mainland, with their wolfish ambitions, Great Hua will be their next target? Then, the people of Great Hua will suffer just like the Goryeo people. Do you really think you can escape?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly, "Miss Seo, you are right. The annexation of Goryeo is not Dongyin's goal; their ultimate target is Great Hua. Just as you said, our people will have to face this disaster sooner or later, but then we will be fighting a prepared battle, not rushing to deploy troops at your whim, creating a situation where we are attacked from both sides. The law of the jungle is the rule of this world. If you love your homeland, you must not only love its prosperity but also endure its suffering. There is no savior in this world. Don't place all your hopes on others. Think about Great Hua facing the Turkic massacre, full of disasters, we have never asked anyone for help, have we?"

Seo Jang Geum remained stubbornly silent. Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "Between nations, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. If it was your personal hardship, I could stand by your side, but when it concerns the state's affairs, it's not something that can be covered by mere loyalty. Miss Seo, your suffering is not caused by Great Hua; we owe you nothing. To be blunt, your war against Dongyin is buying time for Great Hua, and we would prefer the more brutal it is, the better, so we can have more time. Once we deal with the Turkic forces, we will deal with Dongyin. I'm sorry, I'm being very direct. Perhaps you will be heartbroken to hear this, but if I don't say it, you may be even more heartbroken."

Seo Jang Geum felt her heart grow colder with each word, looking at him with ashen face, "Master Lin, are these your true feelings? Does Great Hua not always claim to be a friendly neighbor, ready to help in times of trouble? Are you really so calculating?"

Lin Wanrong sneered with disdain, “Neighbors in friendship? Miss Seo, three feet of ice does not form in a single day. When my great Great Hua was powerful, all came to pay homage, including Goryeo, and all other foreign tribes, all were very submissive. Because at that time, submitting to Great Hua brought benefits, and we were called neighbors in friendship. But what about when Great Hua was weak? Everyone pushed when the wall fell, and the tea cooled when the guest left. Who else but you would set traps and hide nails behind our back? Ever since Great Hua has been at war with the Turks, how many of you have been truly loyal, truly treating Great Hua with sincerity? Don't say you don’t know, this time if the Turks and Dongyin hadn't joined hands to threaten Goryeo, would you have come to Great Hua? I'm afraid you wouldn’t even bother with the imperial decree from our Emperor.”

“That’s because Goryeo is a small country, unable to face the pressure of strong enemies, so we can only—” Seo Jang Geum sighed helplessly.

Lin Wanrong snorted, “Isn't that exactly the point? When Great Hua was in trouble, you faced the threats of strong enemies and remained silent, sacrificing Great Hua's interests in the process. Now that your interests are harmed, you bring up neighbors in friendship, expecting Great Hua to sacrifice its own interests to help you. Why should I?! Do you really think I'm a fool? You keep proclaiming love for your country and people, thinking you are noble? What you love is the people of Goryeo, not Great Hua. Shouting slogans in front of me is useless. You get what you pay for. This is an unchangeable truth. Miss Seo, think about it carefully!”

Lin Wanrong's anger flared as he spoke. He picked up the bowl of medicinal soup, gulping down two big mouthfuls, only then did his anger subside slightly. His eyes fell upon Seo Jang Geum's graceful and alluring figure, the attractive curves and shapely legs, leaving him dry-mouthed and thirsty. Damn it, he thought, discussing national affairs with a woman was like playing music to a cow. He took another couple of sips of the soup.

Seo Jang Geum collapsed softly to the ground, mumbling to herself, “Is there truly no hope for Goryeo? Master Lin, you are learned and talented, please think of a way for us.”

As she slumped down, her long, rounded thighs and slender, sturdy calves came into view, the hidden scenery at the root of her legs particularly enticing.

How can one live like this? Lin Wanrong sighed. Forget it, being a gentleman is too hard; he might as well gaze openly. He relaxed his mind and allowed his eyes to linger on Seo Jang Geum's full and smooth thighs, becoming entranced, even missing her question.

“Master Lin, Master Lin—” Seo Jang Geum's heart pounded as she saw his eyes scanning her body, lingering especially on her beautiful legs. Her face grew hot with embarrassment, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to hide in. Especially as he neither agreed to help nor answered her question, but instead unabashedly admired her beauty. He was the most shameless man in the world.

“Ah, what's the matter?” Lin Wanrong quickly wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, his face taking on a serious expression.

Seo Jang Geum sighed sadly, “My Lord, if you can think of other ways to save Goryeo, I will be yours.”

‘This girl coveted my beauty to such a point of obsession?’ Master Lin sternly and righteously said, "Miss Seo, I am a person with principles. Any thought of monopolizing me is pure folly. If Goryeo, facing such a situation, relies solely on outsiders, that is absolutely not advisable. You must dig deep within yourselves, resist Dongyin's influence. That's what you need to do."

"Then hasn't Goryeo made a wedding dress for Great Hua? We exhaust our national strength to resist Dongyin, but cannot escape the act of national destruction. In the end, won't the benefits all go to Great Hua?" Seo Jang Geum, the most famous remarkable woman in Goryeo, finally showed her weak and helpless side, lowering her head on the verge of tears. Speaking of taking advantage, her head was buried in her chest like an ostrich, not knowing whether she was lamenting Goryeo or herself.

"Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don't only think of yourself. According to your thinking, can't I also say that Great Hua has made a wedding dress for Goryeo? If it weren't for Great Hua fighting to the death against the Turkic people, Goryeo, that tiny land, would have long fallen under the hooves of the Turkic cavalry, with all the benefits going to you, Goryeo," Lin Wanrong said calmly.

It seemed to be a skewed argument, yet it left Seo Jang Geum unable to rebut. She sat on the ground, stunned, tears falling like raindrops, without a word.

Where have all the men of Goryeo gone, leaving such a heavy responsibility to a weak woman? In the end, Lin Wanrong felt no ill will toward Jang Geum Dongsaeng. While he shamelessly admired her tempting chest and hidden charms, he also felt full of sympathy for her.

"Enough, enough, who else can help you if not your Wanrong Oppa?" Master Lin thought for a long time and finally spoke.

Seo Jang Geum's face lit up, and she stared at him blankly, asking, "Master Lin, are you serious? You really want to help me?"

"Ah, I've always been the most soft-hearted, and you are my Jang Geum Dongsaeng. It's truly a headache," Lin Wanrong said helplessly, tapping his forehead, his face filled with vexation.

Seo Jang Geum, not caring about her scantily-clad appearance, leaped up from the ground, clung to his arm, and exclaimed joyfully, "Is it true? Are you really going to help me? Master Lin, you are wonderful!"

A faint fragrance wafted from Jang Geum's body. The thin undergarment was like a layer of gauze between them, adding to the temptation. Jang Geum's arms gently embraced his, her shoulders soft and smooth, her skin luminous as jade, the trembling peaks of her chest pressing against his arm, displaying their voluptuous charm. Her long eyelashes, quivering with some teardrops, were pure and sparkling, breathtakingly beautiful.

Master Lin lowered his head and saw the thin undergarment loosen, revealing two soft white mounds. The deep valley between the peaks was dizzying.

"Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I have a profound question for you. You must answer me truthfully," Master Lin said, suppressing the urge to nosebleed, his voice serious.

Seo Jang Geum nodded, only to hear Master Lin say, "Is plastic surgery popular in Goryeo right now?"

"What is plastic surgery?" Seo Jang Geum asked, puzzled.

"To put it simply, it's raising the nose, shaving the chin, padding the chest with foam, and adding some fat to the buttocks to make them perkier. Do people undergo this surgery in your country now?"

Seo Jang Geum was unable to suppress her embarrassment and hurriedly shook her head, saying, "My lord, where are you taking this conversation? A woman should cherish her natural beauty; how could anyone resort to such shameless acts?"

Lin Wanrong burst into laughter, thinking, ‘It seems this is a genuine product indeed; Goryeo also has pure, natural beauties. How rare!’

‘Don't touch what you shouldn't, don't touch what you shouldn't!’ Lord Lin, holding onto Jang Geum's slender waist, let his big hand slide downward. Seo Jang Geum let out a cry, her face blushing, and quickly pulled away. Her face as red as fire, she sternly said, "My lord, you—"

"Ah, don't mention that matter to me again!" Lin Wanrong grandly waved his hand, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I understand your feelings towards me. But I am not a fickle man. Will you please show me some respect?"

Jang Geum could not help but smile and nod, "My lord, I won't tease you anymore. Please tell me quickly, how are we to save Goryeo?"

"Don't move; let me think. Just a reminder, don't let your mind wander. I am an upright and profound thinker. You won't find any indecent or erotic thoughts in my eyes, will you?" Lord Lin stared intently at Seo Jang Geum's exquisite body, not blinking.

Could this really work? Standing naked in front of an "upright" man, Seo Jang Geum felt humiliated to the point of death, her chest heaving, her white and rounded thighs tense, like a mermaid that had floated out of the water. But Lord Lin’s focus was all on her, so she dared not move, fearing that if Master Lin lost focus for a moment, the happiness of the Goryeo people would be lost at her hands.

Time ticked away, and saliva flowed like a waterfall from the corner of Lord Lin's mouth. No one knew how he was thinking.

"Jang Geum Dongsaeng—" Lord Lin extended his hand with a lascivious grin toward Seo Jang Geum.

"My Lord, you—" Seo Jang Geum, horrified, in a panic, grabbed a jar from the table that contained medicinal soup and threw it at his hand.

Lord Lin screamed in pain, standing up suddenly and hastily covering his wrist with a piece of cloth from the ground, his face pale, "After thinking deeply and almost leaving my body, drooling from my pondering, I finally found a solution—hey, Jang Geum, what are you doing with that big jar?"

Seo Jang Geum was speechless; it turned out the lord was truly deep in thought, even having an out-of-body experience. It was not his true intention earlier.

"My lord, what solution have you found?" Seo Jang Geum asked, her voice filled with both shame and urgency.

"This solution is simple, really. As I said earlier, my great nation and Dongyin will eventually come to blows. It's only a matter of time. But right now, we face a significant threat from the Turks to the north and cannot divert our attention to external matters. So, it's a bit difficult, but there are ways to resolve it."

Lord Lin had already mentioned this viewpoint earlier, and Seo Jang Geum, hearing nothing new, became impatient, "My lord, what are you trying to say?"

‘This wretched girl! That last blow almost made me bleed; I must tease her a bit to make it up to my hand.’ Lord Lin chuckled, "I've already told you, saving Goryeo is at the expense of our great nation's interests. However, if you can find a way to make up for my great nation's loss, there might be room for negotiation."

"Recoup the interests of Great Hua?" Seo Jang Geum was no fool; after a moment's contemplation, she ventured, "My lord, are you referring to the military expenses, provisions, and compensation for wartime losses incurred by your nation's deployment of troops?"

Lin Wanrong smiled without saying a word, neither confirming nor denying.

This guy was so annoying. Seeing Lin Wanrong's eyes continually roaming over her, Seo Jang Geum's face turned red with embarrassment. After a moment of thought, she answered, "Our Goryeo is weak and might not be able to come up with that much money all at once. But this matter is negotiable, and I will report to the King."

Now, this was strange. How could a lowly palace maid like her report directly to the king of Goryeo? Did she have some special relationship with him? No, that couldn't be. Looking at her closed legs, she was clearly still a virgin. Lin Wanrong gave her an odd look, and Seo Jang Geum sighed, "My lord, do not ask so much. As for your request, I will report it to the King."

"Miss Seo, you are mistaken. This is not my request but something you yourself brought up. I did not agree to it," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.

"What?" Seo Jang Geum's face was a mixture of shock and rage as she stood up abruptly. "My lord, what exactly do you want?"

As she stood up, her shapely and alluring body was pressed against Lin Wanrong, very enticing indeed.

"What can I do?" Lin Wanrong spread his hands in vexation. "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I am only offering friendly advice here. If you don't want to hear it, then forget it."

"You, you—" Seo Jang Geum's whole body trembled, tears falling like raindrops. "My lord, all you do is bully me! What else do you want? Just say it all at once!"

"Actually, what you mentioned earlier is not insignificant," Lin Wanrong laughed. "But you missed the most important part. Right now, Great Hua is facing the threat of the Turks, and we are suddenly supposed to aid a completely unrelated Goryeo, becoming enemies on all sides. We are in constant danger of national ruin. How can we justify this to Great Hua's people? How can we mobilize our troops with honor? This is no simple matter. If mishandled, it could be exploited by those with ill intentions and lead to internal chaos in Great Hua."

With Lin Wanrong painting such a grave picture, Seo Jang Geum became worried about him going back on his word and hastily asked, "Then what's your solution?"

"There is a solution, but it depends on whether or not the King of Goryeo can accept it," Lin Wanrong sighed.

"Speak quickly." Seo Jang Geum was highly dissatisfied with his teasing, not even addressing him as 'My lord'.

Lin Wanrong smiled, "Great Hua is now unable to deal with foreign affairs, but if it is an internal matter, that's an entirely different story. If Goryeo's affairs become part of Great Hua's internal politics, then everything becomes simple."

"What?" Seo Jang Geum was horrified, her face filled with anger. "You, you want to annex my Goryeo?"

"Miss Seo, can you have a little patience?" Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile. "When did I ever say I wanted to annex?"

"Then what is your intention?" Seo Jang Geum demanded angrily.

Lin Wanrong smiled enigmatically, "We can adopt a special approach called 'One Country, Two Systems.' Goryeo is nominally not a vassal of Great Hua, but pays tribute to Great Hua every year, right? Why not take it a step further, having the King of Goryeo recognize Great Hua's central authority, declare the two as one, but let Goryeo continue to be governed by its people? You would have complete judicial and economic rights, with only foreign affairs and the military managed by Great Hua. This is called 'One Country, Two Systems': Goryeo governed by Goryeo people! If the Dongyin people want to attack you, that would be an attack on Great Hua. Would they dare? That's the question. And for Goryeo, there would be no loss. Ah, what a grand idea!"

"One Country, Two Systems?" Seo Jang Geum thought it over carefully. She was no fool and immediately grasped the key issue, her voice filled with anger: "Without military and diplomatic rights, what's the meaning of Goryeo's existence?"

"Miss Seo, that's a good question." Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "When our Great Hua assists Goryeo in resisting Dongyin, driving away the Dongyin people, your threat will no longer exist. Then what is the meaning of keeping the Goryeo army? Without the threat from Dongyin, whom are you guarding against? Guarding against our Great Hua? If Great Hua sends troops to help Goryeo drive away the Dongyin people, and Goryeo sets up defenses against Great Hua, Miss Seo, if you were the Emperor of Great Hua, would you be foolish enough to do this? What's the point of us sending troops? Does Goryeo just want to take advantage without giving anything in return? Where in the world does such a good thing exist?"

It was undeniable; Lin San had hit the nail on the head. Everyone has their own interests, and though Seo Jang Geum was intelligent, when it came to these matters, how could she match Lin San? She could only respond with silence.

"After the unification of Goryeo and Great Hua, the two places can freely trade and marry. Great Hua will encourage the residents of both places to migrate to each other, and Great Hua language teaching will be added to Goryeo schools." Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, "Politics has no justice; there is something to gain but something to lose. Choose between losing the country or losing the people; you must think it through. Report to the King of Goryeo truthfully, and I will also petition the Emperor of Great Hua. Ah, this really puts me in a difficult position."

This method was utterly outrageous, but just as Lin San said, it was a choice between losing the country or losing the people. Seo Jang Geum's heart was bitter, and she wiped away her tears, "What are you troubled about? Goryeo has already been bullied to this point by you."

Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Do I need to bully you? Even a heartfelt embrace is rejected; have you ever seen such an honest person? Honestly, Miss Seo, I hate politics, especially talking about politics with women. If it weren't for your insistence, I wouldn't even have mentioned these things. It's really a waste of brain cells. Ah, don't cry—"

Seo Jang Geum's tears flowed like a floodgate, unceasing. Her face full of tears, she looked pitiful as a pear blossom in the rain. Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder sympathetically, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, be careful not to catch a cold; better put your clothes on first."

"Mind your own business!" Seo Jang Geum hastily wiped her tears, her anger rising, no longer willing to stand naked before him, "Give me my clothes back."

"What did you say?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "Miss, even though I am good at 'undressing' women, heaven knows, I didn't undress you."

"What are you holding in your hand?" Seo Jang Geum snorted.

Lin Wanrong looked down and realized that the cloth he had used to wrap his hand was actually Seo Jang Geum's garment that had fallen to the ground. Shameful, truly shameful, Lin Wanrong chuckled embarrassingly.

Seo Jang Geum dressed herself and walked to the door. She turned back to look at him, her eyes complex and inscrutable, and after a long while, she said, "I will convey your intentions to the King. I don't know what the final result will be."

"Actually, I really don't want to be the villain. You know I'm inclined to goodness." Lin Wanrong helplessly shrugged.

Seo Jang Geum nodded, then suddenly rushed over and kissed him on the cheek, her face streaming with tears, "Wanrong Oppa, thank you, I hate you!"

She turned and ran out quickly, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong touched his cheek and smiled helplessly, thinking, ‘An international romance? I'm really not ready for that!’

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