mesbooks Chapter 40 "I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"
Chapter 40 "I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"
Under Lin Xiaoqian's persuasion, Zhao Xiong and the others finally calmed down and decided to accept the three-year hard labor order. This news spread like wildfire throughout the palace, creating waves of excitement.
The eunuchs and palace maids whispered amongst themselves, praising Lin Qianqian's wisdom and decisiveness, marveling at how she could single-handedly resolve such a thorny stalemate. Upon hearing this, the ministers also ceased their previous debate on the matter of offering amnesty. Although they still harbored doubts about these former bandits, they had to take a second look at Lin Qianqian's abilities.
Emperor Murong Xuan was reviewing memorials in his study when a servant reported this news to him. His vermilion brush suddenly stopped, and the ink smeared across the memorial. Murong Xuan raised his head slightly, his face full of shock, and muttered to himself, "This woman really has such ability to make those unruly people change their minds."
After a moment, the shock gradually turned into joy. Murong Xuan rose, walked around the study with his hands behind his back, and a smile of admiration appeared on his face: "Lin Qianqian is meticulous, eloquent, and deeply righteous. She can see into people's hearts and use classical allusions to influence them. She is truly an extraordinary woman. With her, the matter of surrendering the country has taken a turn for the better. If my country had more talents like her, how could it not prosper and flourish?"
Murong Xuan knew that Zhao Xiong and the others' willingness to accept hard labor not only meant the resolution of a potential crisis but also set an example for the court in recruiting other forces. He immediately decided that after Zhao Xiong and the others began their hard labor, he would send people to keep a close eye on them. If they could truly repent and reform, he would give them generous rewards and proper resettlement to demonstrate the court's combination of kindness and severity, and not to let Lin Qianqian's painstaking efforts go to waste.
Murong Xuan summoned Lin Qianqian to an audience. After receiving the decree, Lin Qianqian tidied her appearance briefly and then calmly proceeded to the imperial study. As she entered, Murong Xuan looked up and saw a woman with a graceful figure, swaying gently in the breeze. A light blue silk dress accentuated her elegant demeanor, making her appear like a fairy descended from heaven. Her face was fair and jade-like, her eyes sparkling with intelligence, and her lips naturally red—truly a beauty beyond compare.
Lin Qianqian curtsied and said, "Your Majesty, your humble daughter Lin Qianqian has come in response to your summons." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.
Murong Xuan nodded slightly and went straight to the point: "Lin Qianqian, it's truly remarkable that you were able to persuade Zhao Xiong and the others. Let me ask you, how did you come up with those methods?"
Lin Qianqian replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, I know that although Zhao Xiong and the others were once bandits, they also have their own dignity and ambitions. They had already shown a willingness to do good when they were managing the floods in Jiangnan. I was just trying to understand their worries and expectations from their perspective, and then inspiring them with the deeds of ancient sages, so that they would understand that temporary hardship can bring long-term glory and a new life.”
Murong Xuan gazed at her and asked again, "If I hadn't listened to your advice and insisted on severely punishing them, what would you have done?"
Lin Qianqian slightly raised her head, her gaze calm and composed, and replied, "Your Majesty is wise and has your own considerations. However, I believe that Heaven cherishes life, and Zhao Xiong and others have made meritorious contributions to flood control in Jiangnan. If they can be given a chance to repent, it would demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence and magnanimity, and also allow more lost souls to see hope and return to Your Majesty's rule. Even if Your Majesty makes a different decision, I can only feel deep regret, but I will still obey the decree."
Murong Xuan secretly admired him after hearing this. He then posed a sharp question: "You're going to such lengths to help them, are you perhaps colluding with them for some ulterior motive?"
Lin Qianqian remained calm and composed, replying, "Your Majesty, my heart is solely devoted to the stability of the court and the well-being of the people. If Zhao Xiong and the others can be successfully recruited, the people of Jiangnan will be spared the suffering of bandits, and the court will gain valuable talent. I am innocent and would never engage in such collusion. If Your Majesty has any doubts, you may send someone to investigate thoroughly. I have a clear conscience."
Upon seeing this, Murong Xuan couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh: "What a fine Lin Qianqian! She is quick-witted, eloquent, and has outstanding looks and graceful demeanor. I was right about her."