Chapter 383: I Want to Take Them All!!
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Sir Lin, lets talk about your past life, the Empress said.
Lin Beifan was a bit puzzled. My past life?
Yes! Your background is somewhat mysterious, but you know so much and have exceptional abilities. So, Im very curious about what you were like in the past, and why you know so much, the Empress said. As she spoke, she gently brushed her hair from her forehead, and her gaze seemed somewhat unnatural. Even her face turned slightly red. After all, they were going to spend a long time together, so getting to know each other better was important.
Lin Beifan furrowed his brows. Your Majesty, about my past life
It seemed he was reluctant to talk about it.
The Empress suddenly felt sorry for him. Lin Beifan didnt mention much about his past, but from what she had observed in recent years, he must have had a difficult life. He came from a humble background with no notable family or friends. He had only relied on his strength. To pass the imperial exams, he had worked tirelessly, studying late into the night. He had lived a frugal life, wearing ordinary clothes, residing in a dilapidated house, and mostly eating simple meals of rice and vegetables, rarely having meat. It was only after becoming the top scholar that his life improved significantly.
Sir Lin, if you dont want to talk about it, I wont force you, the Empress said, understandingly.
Lin Beifan shook his head slightly. Your Majesty, its not that I dont want to talk about it, but rather I dont know how to begin.
The Empress seemed puzzled. You dont know how to begin? You can talk about anything.
Its precisely because theres nothing to talk about that I find it difficult, Lin Beifans expression turned a bit bitter. Not to hide it from Your Majesty, but my past life was quite dull. The word hardship defined my life, and theres really nothing to talk about.
The Empress chuckled awkwardly. Cough
Lin Beifan looked concerned. Your Majesty, are you not feeling well again? Are you experiencing another symptom?
The Empress gave Lin Beifan a somewhat exasperated look, a mix of annoyance and amusement. Its all because of you. How can you boast like this? She then started laughing.
Lin Beifan felt quite aggrieved. But I was just telling the truth!
I can see that you must have been quite mischievous and troublesome in the past. Yet, you managed to live to this day, which means you must have had a rather comfortable life! The Empress pointed at Lin Beifan and laughed.
Lin Beifan struggled for a moment. Your Majesty, you cant say that. In reality, my past was quite bitter.
Was it because of someone elses suffering? The Empress laughed heartily.
Lin Beifan:
Lin Beifans eyes seemed filled with bitterness.
How did the Empress become so mischievous? She had uncovered his past so quickly; it wasnt fun at all! After the laughter, the Empress was in a very cheerful mood and asked, Sir Lin, lets talk about the future. What do you think your future will be like? Or what kind of life do you want to have in the future? What are your dreams?
Lin Beifan furrowed his brows again. Your Majesty, I dare not say.
The Empress hinted, Is there some kind of hardship?
Indeed, there is hardship, Lin Beifan said, his lips twisting slightly. Please forgive my crimes first, and then I will dare to speak.
The Empress spoke loudly, Alright! I consider you innocent!
Your Majesty, Lin Beifan sighed, Ever since I entered the court as an official, I have been favored by you. You kept promoting me, bestowing honors and riches upon me endlessly, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However, all of these are not what I truly desire.
Lin Beifan shook his head again.
The Empress was puzzled. None of the above? Your Majesty, what kind of women do you like?
Lin Beifan, feeling shy, said, Your Majesty, can we not discuss this?
No, I must ask! The Empress insisted.
Lin Beifan, feeling even more embarrassed, said, Your Majesty, can we please not talk about it?
No! You must say it. I command you! The Empress ordered, her heart pounding nervously.
Your Majesty, judging from your questions, its clear that you dont understand men very well. My answer is Lin Beifan blushed and lowered his head, I want to take them all1!
The Empress coughed. Cough
Lin Beifan panicked again. Your Majesty, whats wrong now?
Sir Lin, you might have really made me angry today! The Empress scolded him, not in a good mood.
Lin Beifan felt very wronged. Its because Your Majesty insisted on me answering!
Couldnt you have been a bit more tactful?
I was already being tactful! Whenever I talk like this with people, they want to hit me! Your Majesty, you are quite composed and sophisticated in handling this, which is already commendable! Lin Beifan laughed.
The Empress felt warm inside. Sir Lin, you have a good heart.
At this point, Lin Beifan sighed. Actually, when it comes to marriage and relationships, I dont have a choice at all! Ever since I entered the court as an official, Ive always prioritized state affairs. Ive never actively sought attention from women. But fate has given me a handsome appearance, and I have become the center of attention wherever I go. There is no escape, and I have to passively accept it. Its quite distressing!
The Empress was annoyed! What kind of nonsense was this?
This was something that many men could only dream of, and you seemed a bit dismissive of it?
He doesnt know the suffering of less fortunate men!
She clenched her fist suddenly, wanting to punch him to vent the frustrations of all the men in the world!
Now, even the matter of marriage is decided by Your Majesty! Lin Beifan, with a glimmer of hope, said, Your Majesty, when will you release the restrictions on me? Im not getting any younger; its time to get married!
This matter lets talk about it later! The Empresss eyes flickered, wanting to escape the topic. She said, Alright, thats enough. Im tired now. Sir Lin, you may withdraw.
Your Majesty, cant we chat a little longer? I have many things I want to tell you! Lin Beifan said.
The Empress waved her hand, turned her head to the side, pretending to sleep, and said, Lets not chat anymore. Please withdraw quickly. I need to rest. If there are no major state affairs, dont come to find me!
Oh, then Ill come back another day! Lin Beifan reluctantly left.
1. /Children choose, adults take them all!
This phrase is a popular internet slang term used as a response to difficult or indecisive choice questions. Its commonly used in interactive discussions or topics where people are asked to make choices.
The phrase is often employed humorously when faced with dilemmas, such as questions like Do you prefer girls with short hair or long hair? In response, people might use the meme (I want them all), indicating a playful or unserious attitude toward making a choice.