Chapter 373: Is Lin Beifan a Traitor?

Chapter 373: Is Lin Beifan a Traitor?

If you like this series, please give a rating and review at the following link: /series/i-am-a-corrupt-official-yet-they-say-i-am-a-loyal-minister/

Your Majesty, regarding this marriage matter, I can make the decision myself, so you dont have to trouble yourself, Lin Beifan said diplomatically.

The Empress became excited: No! As the current Prime Minister and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, marriage is not a trivial matter. It concerns the court and the stability of Great Wu. Therefore, I must make the decision for you! Lin Beifan was sweating: Your Majesty, it really isnt necessary, its not that serious

The Empress interrupted: Ive made up my mind!

Lin Beifan:

In the end, he had to reluctantly accept the imperial decree.

Meanwhile, after several days, the third prince of Great Yan, Yan Xinghe, had already retreated to Great Yan and brought back a reply from Great Wu, either to fight or withdraw, with no third option. Great Yans forces were not willing to withdraw, but they also didnt dare to engage in a hasty battle.

So, the two armies continued to stand in a tense standoff. After completing the official business, the third prince hurriedly went to a luxurious mansion.

Teacher of the Nation, Ive come to see you! With a swoosh, a chubby Taoist priest appeared, who was none other than the long-lost Empty Void Daoist.

After being expelled from Great Wu by Lin Beifan, he had arrived in Great Yan with his disciple. Using his alchemical skills and mystical abilities, he quickly gained the favor of the Great Yan Emperor and the court officials, becoming the Nations Master with great influence and respect.

Your Highness, youve come back, did you obtain the Dragon Bone?

Naturally, the third prince smiled proudly and said, Of course! I, Yan Xinghe, cannot return empty-handed, can I?

The Empty Void Daoist was delighted, Wheres the Dragon Bone? Let me see!

Master, please have a look! The third prince carefully took out a box, then opened it to reveal a jade bottle containing the Dragon Bone.

The Empty Void Daoist cautiously opened the bottle, revealing a bit of fine powder inside, carefully examining it and nodding, This is indeed Dragon Bone. Please tell His Majesty.

The third prince eagerly asked, Master, there are 2.5 taels of Dragon Bone in this bottle. Together with what Father gave you earlier, its a total of five taels of Dragon Bone. Can we use this to refine the Elixir of Immortality?

The Empty Void Daoist rolled his eyes inwardly. He also wanted to refine the Elixir of Immortality, but the problem was, he didnt know how! However, he was a seasoned charlatan and remained calm, shaking his head and saying, Its not that easy, you know? For countless years, how many emperors have tried to refine the Elixir of Immortality, and how many have succeeded? None! Its only now, with the appearance of the precious Dragon Bone, that theres a glimmer of hope.

The third prince chuckled, Thats true!

Dont worry, Your Highness. With the Dragon Bone and the national efforts to gather heavenly treasures, we have a much better chance now. If we have all the necessary ingredients, I have a 50% chance of refining the Elixir of Immortality! Even if its not the Elixir of Immortality, I can still create some longevity elixirs!

The Empty Void Daoist made reassuring promises.

The third prince was overjoyed, Then, well rely on Master!

But, the Dragon Bone is still too little, the Empty Void Daoist lamented, If we could obtain a few more catties of Dragon Bone, I could start alchemy and produce the divine medicine you need.

Master, we have our ways, the third prince said confidently.

What ways? Can you share them with me? The Empty Void Daoists eyes gleamed.

The third prince hesitated, but he wanted the Empty Void Daoists help in obtaining the Divine Elixir, so he couldnt offend this knowledgeable figure.

We never expected him to be like this! Its shameful to betray ones country!

The news spread like wildfire, and many people demanded an investigation of Lin Beifan to root out the traitor. Some individuals who held grudges against Lin Beifan, as well as high-ranking officials, added fuel to the fire, hoping to use this opportunity to bring him down.

In no time, Lin Beifan went from being a highly respected Prime Minister and Supreme Commander to a traitor despised by the public.

This matter quickly alarmed the court.

In the court, the Empress was furious. This is absurd! Such baseless rumors have caused such a huge commotion. Clearly, someone is plotting against us, slandering loyal officials, and attempting to subvert our Great Wu court with malicious intent! Sir Lin, your loyalty is beyond question, I believe in you, do not take this to heart!

Your Majesty is wise, I wont take it to heart! Lin Beifan proclaimed loudly.

At this moment, an elderly minister stepped forward, speaking thoughtfully, Your Majesty, this matter indeed seems somewhat premeditated! However, where theres smoke, there may be fire

The Empresss anger flared again. Are you implying that Sir Lin is not innocent?

Your Majesty, Prime Minister Lin is undoubtedly innocent! However, this matter has escalated, stirring public anger. My suggestion is not to go against public sentiment but to conduct an investigation in accordance with it. This way, we can prove Prime Minister Lins innocence and calm the peoples anger. I respectfully implore Your Majesty to consider this!

Please consider it, Your Majesty! the officials chimed in.

They might not know whether Lin Beifan had committed treason, but this was starting to look like a power play, an attempt to weaken Lin Beifan.

And if an investigation were conducted, even if he were innocent, he would still be affected.

The Empress was furious again. Is there a need to investigate such a matter? Its been circulating for three days already! In the past, three of my uncles also accused my trusted minister baselessly with malicious intent, like Zhao, and it was proven that my minister were innocent!

So, these groundless rumors should be ignored! Spread the message that anyone who continues to gossip, slander loyal officials, or disturb the court will be thrown into the dungeons and face punishment!

And you, if you continue to meddle in these affairs, accusing the loyal and upright, I will also hold you accountable!

Yes, Your Majesty! The officials trembled.

Under the Empresss authoritarian rule, these rumors and gossip were quickly quelled.

Lin Beifan remained the Prime Minister and Supreme Commander, with his position unshaken.

In the Great Yan Dynasty, the Empty Void Daoist learned about this news and was dumbfounded. How could this not have worked?

Master, its said that this matter caused quite a stir in Great Wu and even reached the court, but the Great Wu Empress chose not to investigate. She ordered the arrest of anyone spreading rumors or slandering loyal officials, and thats how the matter was silenced!

The Empty Void Daoist was filled with frustration.

He had expended such great effort, and yet, Lin Beifan remained unharmed. It was truly frustrating! Normally, he enjoyed having a puppet ruler, but right now, he was particularly annoyed.

This Empress is truly a puppet ruler, trusting treacherous officials! What a foolish Empress! Helpless, he decided to let the matter rest for now and look for another opportunity for revenge.

Meanwhile, at this moment, Lin Beifan squinted at the message that had just arrived: This rumor came from Great Yan?

Zhao Gao, Wade-Giles romanization Chao Kao, (born, Zhao state, Chinadied 207 BCE, China), Chinese eunuch who conspired to seize power on the death of Shihuangdi, first emperor of the Qin dynasty (221207 BCE). His action eventually led to the downfall of the dynasty.