It’s Exciting to Snatch the Supporting Male Lead and Run Away [Quick Wear] - 56

 

IETSTSMLARA | The Charming Substitute | 56

Lin Su said this on a whim and didn't anticipate it would backfire on him. 

Now, proving he didn't have any physical issues would be difficult—he couldn't exactly demonstrate his virility on the spot.

Never mind, it might actually be beneficial for him to be misunderstood this way.

"Stand up first," Lin Su said as he helped him up. "Isn't it tiring to talk like this?"

Lin Qingtang tentatively held onto his arm, and when he saw Lin Su didn't refuse, he smiled and stood up. When he steadied himself, he reluctantly let go, saying, "Master."

"If you're going to be with me, you need to act like the head madam. You can't kneel all the time, understand?" Lin Su tapped his nose. "Just speak your mind."

"Yes," Lin Qingtang replied, still staring at him, unable to hide his happiness.

He had thought that being by the young master's side for his whole life would be enough, but sometimes life really does give you unexpected surprises.

Lin Su had never been looked at with such intense and unreserved eyes before. The person staring at him obviously didn't realize how overwhelming his gaze was.

Lin Su looked back at him, and when Lin Qingtang met his eyes, he nervously shifted his gaze. Flustered, he said, "Master, I feel like I'm dreaming..."

"What can I do to make you feel like it's not a dream?" Lin Su asked with a smile.

Lin Qingtang glanced at him, his cheeks turning a translucent red. "Can I touch you, Young Master?"

Lin Su took his hand and placed it on his own face, he held onto Lin Qingtang's hand tightly when he tried to pull back out of nervousness. He then pulled Lin Qingtang into his arms, making him sit on his lap.

The young boy in Lin Su's arms had just turned sixteen. Technically, Lin Su shouldn't have made any moves, but being followed by such adoring eyes every day, with the boy's presence always around him, it would only cause Lin Qingtang to suffer if Lin Su didn't say anything. Lin Qingtang would likely bury these feelings deep inside and never express them.

When Lin Qingtang sat on Lin Su's lap, he became completely stiff, not knowing where to look. "Young... Young Master..."

"Hmm." Lin Su leaned in closer. Lin Qingtang held his breath with anticipation, feeling his heart beat as if it wasn't his own, and he closed his eyes slightly. 

When he opened them, he saw that Lin Su was holding a leaf.

"It fell on your head when you were airing out the books earlier. If someone saw it, they would laugh at you," Lin Su said, placing the leaf in Lin Qingtang's hand. "Take it out with you when you leave."

"Okay..." Lin Qingtang felt incredibly weak and thought he should keep the leaf as a cherished memento. Even if the young master no longer wanted him one day, it would be his best and most beautiful memory.

"Does it feel real now?" Lin Su asked with a smile, holding his shoulders.

Lin Qingtang instinctively shook his head. "Still feels like a dream..."

Lin Su couldn't help but laugh. The boy was incredibly attractive, with naturally slender bones and a delicate face. His skin was translucent and fair, not tanned in the slightest despite his daily busyness, and he still had a hint of baby fat. His straightforward response made him seem like a small animal.

"How about we stay like this for a while longer?" Lin Su asked.

Lin Qingtang's eyes curved into a smile, but then he turned his head quickly, his face turning red. "Young Master... does this make me... seem improper?"

"It does," Lin Su replied, looking at him.

Lin Qingtang blinked in confusion, holding onto his shoulders as he tried to stand up. However, despite his efforts, he remained sitting in Lin Su's lap. He looked at Lin Su, bewildered. "Young Master, I can't get up."

His legs had gone weak…

"I'll get up right away..." Lin Qingtang was becoming anxious, not realizing that Lin Su was holding his shoulders down. He was so flustered that he was on the verge of tears.

"Why be so reserved?" Lin Su asked with a smile.

Lin Qingtang looked at him with moist eyes. "I don't want the young master to dislike me."

"This young master likes you just the way you are," Lin Su said, pressing Lin Qingtang's head against his shoulder and patting his back. "Don't be so worried; just be yourself."

Tentatively, Lin Qingtang placed his hands on Lin Su's shoulders and leaned closer, feeling as if he were enveloped in happiness. He had never felt so content in his life. His heart felt so full that it seemed ready to overflow. "Young master, Lin Qingtang adores you."

Perhaps he had felt this way since the first time they met, which was why he couldn't help but watch him, think about him, and want to stand by his side forever.

"What if someone else had redeemed you? What would you do?" Lin Su asked, looking down at him.

Lin Qingtang's arms tightened around Lin Su. After a moment's hesitation, he shook his head. "I don't know, but if it weren't the young master, it would be very scary..."

His voice trembled slightly. His fate was never in his own hands, and he was just grateful to have met Lin Su. He couldn't imagine what his life would be like if someone else had redeemed him.

Perhaps the embrace was too comforting. Lin Qingtang sat there for a long time, until Lin Su pinched his own leg and said, "My leg is numb."

Lin Qingtang quickly pulled away and managed to stand up this time, though he was extremely embarrassed. "Let me massage your leg. I'm sorry, young master."

Lin Su brushed his hand aside and said, "It's okay, just walk around a bit and it will be fine."

Lin Su paced back and forth a few steps, with Lin Qingtang carefully supporting him. When Lin Su glanced at him, Lin Qingtang quickly pulled away as if he'd been burned. "It's almost noon. I'll go arrange lunch for you, young master."

He bowed and practically skipped out of the room. A moment later, Lin Su heard faint sounds of cheering, "Ahhh!!! So great!!!"

The muffled exclamations indicated that the little fellow was probably venting his excitement.

...

"This part needs to be heavier," Lin Su said, holding Lin Qingtang's hand to guide him in practicing calligraphy. 

Now that their relationship was legitimate, they didn't have to maintain a deliberate distance.

The best way to teach effectively was naturally to do it hand-in-hand.

As Lin Qingtang wrote with Lin Su guiding his hand, his gaze kept drifting to their clasped hands. What could have been a calm moment turned into an intense feeling that made him feel he could run around the yard a hundred times.

"Focus on the characters, not on me," Lin Su said, keeping his head down but aware that the person in his arms was completely distracted.

Lin Qingtang quickly came back to his senses, trying to suppress his excitement while writing, "Lin Qingtang understands his mistake."

He shouldn't slack off just because the young master accepted him; instead, he should strive even harder to ensure he didn't let the young master down or make him feel he was unworthy.

With Lin Su's patient guidance and Lin Qingtang's intelligence and diligence, his calligraphy improved steadily, if not rapidly. Lin Su could see the daily progress.

Learning literature cultivates one's character, and true elegance comes from within. Hence, the saying goes, "A man of literature radiates charm."

Although Lin Qingtang hadn't reached that level yet, the timidity in his eyes was gradually fading. He now interacted with others with a smile instead of the cautious demeanor he had when they first met.

Lin Su did not deliberately avoid being close to Lin Qingtang. While the household was surprised, few gossiped openly. Even if some people privately looked down on Lin Qingtang, they dared not say anything to his face.

Such occurrences were expected, and not something that punishment could prevent. Although Lin Qingtang occasionally felt upset. 

However, whenever Lin Su showed him affection, all those worries were thrown out the window.

"You have no idea how nasty some of their comments are," Xi Kang said, treating him as usual. "They say you're using your looks to serve the master, calling you a seducer. They even talk about the lack of a mistress in the house, but none of them have the charm to be one anyway."

Xi Kang had been with Lin Qingtang the longest and knew how hard he worked. Although he had felt awkward at first, he understood that lazy people like them dreaming of catching the young master’s eye were simply delusional.

Their bitter words were just envy because someone else had risen to a higher position. If they were in Lin Qingtang's place, they'd likely be singing a different tune.

"Let them talk," Lin Qingtang said as he sorted dandelions in a bamboo basket. "It's just a few sour remarks. But make sure these words don't reach the young master. He's been busy enough lately."

"What is this?" Xi Kang picked up a few leaves. "What's the use of this stuff?"

"Dandelions, to reduce heat," Lin Qingtang replied, continuing his task with focused eyes. "The young master has been very busy recently. Adding this to his tea will help reduce internal heat."

In the dappled sunlight, he looked almost translucent, his downcast eyelashes appearing to hold the light. Xi Kang, resting his chin in his hand, said, "Lin Qingtang, you're really good-looking. No wonder the young master likes you."

Lin Qingtang looked up at him and smiled. "You shouldn't stare at me. You'll be getting married someday."

"I'm just giving you a compliment," Xi Kang retorted, pouting. He simply thought that if Lin Qingtang were a woman, he would definitely not be inferior to those women from noble families.

Whether male or female, someone like Lin Qingtang was out of his league. "You really do look like the mistress of the house."

"We're living off the young master’s stipend, so it’s only right to consider his needs. These things... are just part of my duty," Lin Qingtang said with a smile.

There wasn't much he could do for the young master, but he did his best to make the young master's return home more comfortable and relaxing.

Lin Su had indeed been busy recently, both wrapping up the donation scandal and dealing with the issue of child trafficking.

"Seeing starving people on the streets, with people resorting to cannibalism, is a sign of chaos," Lin Su declared sternly in the court. "We live in a time of peace, yet there are still people selling their children. Doesn't this suggest that the Emperor is seen as unkind and unjust, unable to ensure the people's well-being?"

His words brought silence to the court. Emperor Zhao Yang’s face remained unreadable. "What do you propose, my loyal minister?" he asked.

"We must conduct strict investigations and impose severe penalties to eradicate this practice," Lin Su declared resolutely.

Naturally, there were those who opposed him. Among the elite and the affluent, there was a high demand for servants, and buying and selling slaves was a common practice. 

For poor families, selling children was sometimes the only option to survive. Without this ability, even those with long-term family servants would find themselves lacking in help.

Changing this practice was no easy task, particularly because it touched on issues of class and the interests of the powerful. Voices of opposition rose in chorus.

Lin Su knew that this was not the optimal time to bring up this matter. But since he had decided to address it, he had to start somewhere. This occasion was merely to sound the alarm.

"What exactly are your thoughts on this, Lord Lin?" Emperor Zhaoyang found himself troubled by the issue.

Lin Su explained patiently, "Many children from common families, if given the opportunity to study, could prove to be very talented. If they could be gathered around Your Majesty, they could serve the nation. However, if they are sold indiscriminately and destined to be slaves for life, Your Majesty would lose countless potential talents."

"The palace employs many people," Emperor Zhao Yang countered. "If no one is willing to serve, what then?"

"Your Majesty's benevolence is well-known. The number of people employed in the palace is already regulated, and in efforts to reduce expenses, the number of staff has even been cut down. While Your Majesty is so frugal, some officials travel with an entourage that is truly excessive," Lin Su responded.

Completely eradicating the practice was impossible. The rigid class structure of this era made it so. What Lin Su sought to eliminate was the arbitrary buying and selling, the indiscriminate killing, and the treating of human lives as mere commodities.

Although the interests of high-ranking officials would lead to strong opposition from the ministers, crossing the emperor's bottom line would force even the most vocal opponents to silence.

Emperor Zhao Yang scrutinized him and sighed. "I understand. You may withdraw for now."

Everyone involved was astute enough to understand each other's motives. However, even with that understanding, matters that crossed certain boundaries could not be ignored.

Despite his busy schedule, Lin Su did not neglect his time at home. On his days off, he would take Lin Qingtang out to see the sights and sounds of the capital, allowing him to experience the local culture and customs.

“Candy figurines for sale…”

“Sugar-coated hawthorn fruits... Young master, take a look!”

Lin Qingtang's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he didn't ask Lin Su for anything. Lin Su followed his gaze and bought a skewer of sugar-coated hawthorn fruits, placing it in Lin Qingtang's hand. "Take it."

Lin Qingtang obediently held it up as they walked, prompting Lin Su to ask, "Aren't you going to eat it?"

Lin Qingtang looked puzzled. "Isn't this for you, young master?"

"It's for you," Lin Su said, pulling him close to avoid the passing crowd. "Be careful not to bump into anyone."

Holding the sugar-coated fruits, Lin Qingtang watched children led by their parents, also carrying similar treats. His eyes welled up slightly. "Thank you, young master. But you don't have one."

A gentleman does not eat while walking, but Lin Su had no such reservations. He took Lin Qingtang's wrist, leaned down, and bit off one of the fruits. "There, now I have mine too."

Lin Qingtang's eyes widened, his face turning red. "Young master..."

Before he could react further, Lin Su had already walked a few steps ahead, his demeanor so natural that no passerby could suspect anything. Lin Su turned and said, "If you don't hurry, I'll leave you behind."

"Coming!" Lin Qingtang called out, clutching the skewer as he jogged to catch up, reluctant to eat it.

This was the fruit that the young master had bitten. He wanted to keep it forever, but he knew it would spoil eventually. What a pity...

The streets were crowded, and as Lin Qingtang followed Lin Su, he suddenly realized his hand was being held.

He looked down to see Lin Su's wide sleeve discreetly covering their clasped hands. The hold was warm and firm, a secret joy shared just between the two of them.

Lin Qingtang's lips curled into a smile as he suppressed his overflowing happiness and followed along.

Their handholding didn't last long; by the time they reached the restaurant for a meal, they had already let go. Still, Lin Qingtang felt satisfied, he looked at his hand and thought he didn't really want to wash it today.

"Wash your hands before the meal," Lin Su instructed, pointing to a corner of the private room where a waiter had just brought a basin of water for the guests. It was a thoughtful gesture.

Lin Qingtang hesitated but chose to follow Lin Su's words. After washing his hands and sitting down, his earlier excitement had dimmed a bit.

Having washed his hands, Lin Su naturally took Lin Qingtang's hand and gave it a squeeze. "There, I've made it up to you."

Lin Qingtang blinked, his heart pounding so hard he could hear it in his ears. He looked at Lin Su, feeling like there were stars in his eyes. "Young master, you're so kind!"

How could there be someone as wonderful as his young master? So wonderful that he didn't want to share him with anyone else.

Humans are truly greedy creatures. When they don't have something, they wish just to be near it. Once they are close, they crave to be loved. And when they are loved, they desire exclusivity.

"I must seem so greedy...," Lin Qingtang mumbled unconsciously. Realizing what he said, he looked nervously at Lin Su. "I didn't mean it that way."

"It's fine to be greedy, but only with me," Lin Su said, handing him a pair of chopsticks. "Your anxiety and possessiveness show that you care deeply for me. Which shows you and I are the same."

Being looked at, cared for, and treated as someone's entire world felt like burning with passion and love—a feeling Lin Su believed his own nature wouldn't allow him to experience. Yet, it didn't stop him from appreciating this sentiment from another, especially from such a beautiful and gentle person.

Lin Qingtang's smile broke through his facade. "Really?! But young master, you don't show it at all."

"Scholars value restraint. If we both showed our feelings openly, wouldn't everyone on the street see it?" Lin Su laughed.

After Lin Qingtang knew he struggled to keep his composure, he was just too happy. "In front of others, I can maintain my composure."

But the moment he saw his young master, his heart felt like a deer running wild, never calming down. Just when he managed to steady himself, one of Lin Su's casual actions would set his heart racing again. Strangely, he liked these unintentional gestures from his young master.

Their lunch wasn't extravagant. A simple meal sufficed, and they left the restaurant satisfied. 

The cool morning had been perfect for strolling, but the afternoon sun grew intense. They had planned to visit the marketplace to browse old books, chatting idly as they walked. However, passing the government office, they witnessed an unpleasant scene.

"Once the esteemed son of the Qi family, now reduced to a mere servant. Bringing him home to recite poetry will be far more enjoyable than having a courtesan. I'll offer five hundred taels of silver."

"Five hundred taels for a top scholar? Surely you jest. At least a thousand taels."

"Young Master Li is indeed wealthy. I'll offer eleven hundred taels."

"Twelve hundred taels."

The sale of official slaves by the government often required no documentation, typically settled for a few taels. But Qi Qingyi was a special case.

He was known for his literary talent and outstanding looks, he had been one of the top scholars in the capital. Many had admired him, while others had felt overshadowed by his brilliance. Now that he had fallen from grace, those who once envied him saw an opportunity to humiliate him.

Amidst the bidders, Yang Cheng stood anxiously, bidding, "Thirteen hundred taels."

In the original timeline, Yang Cheng had indeed spent a significant amount to bring Qi Qingyi home, much more than the initial five hundred taels for Lin Qingtang.

Though the Yang family wasn't immensely wealthy, his wife brought a considerable dowry. As the eldest son and a jinshi (successful candidate of the highest imperial examination), Yang Cheng had been sent back to his hometown to serve as a minor official. But with potential for advancement, spending a few thousand taels, while painful, was better than losing his heart's desire.

"That looks like Master Qi," Lin Qingtang recognized Qi Qingyi immediately.

However, Qi Qingyi was a far cry from his former self, no longer the confident and spirited man he once was. Clad in coarse cloth, his hair disheveled, he struggled to maintain his proud demeanor, but his current predicament was painfully obvious. Being auctioned off like a courtesan was a new low, an unbearable humiliation for someone of his status, a blow almost fatal to his pride.

"Let's go," Lin Su did not stop. Lin Qingtang sighed, following him.

The young master had said someone would care for him. Judging by the silver being offered to buy him back, Qi Qingyi would likely be treated well.

Qi Qingyi stood, staring numbly at the bidding war before him. This was a new low for him, a shame he had never thought possible. His only wish now was to overturn the case against his family, to tell the emperor they were innocent and that his father had been wronged.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar figure. Instinctively, he wanted to hide his face, but seeing Lin Su glance at him and then walk away without hesitation, pain stabbed through his heart. The boy beside Lin Su, so similar in age and appearance to himself, followed closely, their manner intimate.

"Zhi Yuan!" Qi Qingyi suddenly shouted.

The bidders turned to look. Lin Su, unwilling to cause trouble, had not expected Qi Qingyi to call out to him. He stopped, naturally pulling Lin Qingtang behind him.

"Brother Lin, what brings you here? Are you perhaps interested in this top scholar too?" one of the bidders teased.

"It's said that the Qi family had considerable influence. Since Brother Lin took his son's top spot in the exams, they've targeted you quite a bit. If you made him your household slave, it would surely teach him a lesson."

"Disagreements among colleagues are normal, it’s nothing personal," Lin Su smiled. "If you all are interested, feel free. I'll take my leave."

"Don't leave just yet. What are you hiding behind you?" Someone circled around Lin Su, catching sight of Lin Qingtang and pausing in surprise.

The boy was about half a head shorter than Lin Su, his slender frame partially hidden. While his appearance bore a striking resemblance to Qi Qingyi, it was the innocence in his eyes that caught attention, like a forest after rain, pure and untainted, unlike someone who had lived in the city.

"You said you weren't interested in Qi Qingyi, yet you've found someone with a similar appearance, only cuter," someone remarked, reaching out to touch Lin Qingtang's cheek, but Lin Su quickly blocked his hand.

"Sun Zhi, watch your words. Talking is one thing, but laying hands is another," Lin Su warned, his protective stance evident.

"I was just teasing. I didn't expect Lin Su to hide someone who looks just like Qi Qingyi so well," Sun Zhi replied.

Others looked over, including Yang Cheng, his expression complex after hearing Qi Qingyi call Lin Su's name earlier.

Qi Qingyi noticed the protective gesture, observing the boy who resembled him. He had once dismissed such innocence, but encountering it at his lowest moment was unexpected. Though similar in appearance, this boy was sheltered, naive, a complete contrast to himself.

The sight of the naive boy being protected aroused disgust in Qi Qingyi. He spoke up, "Lin Su, help me just this once, and I will repay your kindness in the future."

"I have little wealth to spare, and my salary is not much. I'm sorry, but I cannot assist you, Wen Jue," Lin Su replied, his tone cold but not contemptuous, leaving Qi Qingyi feeling chilled.

Lin Su moved to leave with Lin Qingtang, but Qi Qingyi grabbed his sleeve, desperation evident. "Do you dare say you didn't buy this person for my sake?! You spent three hundred taels to redeem him. Although I may be in dire straits now, in the future..."

"There is no future," Lin Su cut in, pulling his sleeve away and shielding Lin Qingtang behind him. "Brother Qi, you misunderstand. I didn't redeem Lin Qingtang for anyone else. Farewell."

Lin Su's expression turned cold. The dandies knew he was favored by the Emperor and dared not truly offend him, only daring to jest. 

But after Lin Su and Lin Qingtang left, one of them kicked Qi Qingyi directly. "So, the son of our condemned criminal Qi actually has a crush on Master Lin. What a pity that Master Lin already has someone in his heart and doesn't fancy you."

"What are you doing? Buying and selling people is one thing, but you can't just kick and hit them!" Yang Cheng rushed to protect Qi Qingyi, holding him and checking if he was alright. "Are you okay?"

"Who do you think you are? The son of a magistrate dares to act so recklessly in the capital?" someone jeered. "So, you fancy him, huh? I noticed how your eyes were glued to him just like a dog to its owner. Well, if this Mister Yang here crawls on the ground and barks a few times like a dog, we'll let you take Qi Qingyi away and pamper him as you wish."

Before Yang Cheng could respond, Qi Qingyi pushed him away. "Who are you?"

"Wen Jue, I won't treat you like this," Yang Cheng said seriously, holding him steady. "I will protect you, don't be afraid."

"Hahaha..."

The laughter around them was more painful to Qi Qingyi than physical blows. Why was Lin Su so much kinder to a lowly servant boy than to him? Was it because the boy was the son of a condemned criminal?

As the mocking and jeering continued, Lin Qingtang pulled Lin Su's sleeve tightly. "Master, don't be angry."

"He said I redeemed you for him. Aren't you angry?" Lin Su asked.

Lin Qingtang smiled and looked up at Lin Su. "Master said I am me. I only believe what Master says."

"Even what I say sometimes can't be fully trusted. Trusting me so blindly, aren't you afraid I might sell you off one day?" Lin Su chuckled.

"I trust that Master won't," Lin Qingtang replied firmly.

Perhaps if that day ever came, he would feel utterly crushed, but until then, he chose to believe in the person before him.

"Let's go," Lin Su took Lin Qingtang's hand. "We still have to learn ink painting today. We can't afford to waste any time."

Lin Qingtang was dragged along with a sour expression on his face. Ink painting was indeed the most difficult thing in the world to learn.

The news about Qi Qingyi stirred up quite a commotion in the capital for a few days. Rumors had it that in the end, a man had spent three thousand taels to take him away, and both of them were injured when they left.

Rumors spread fast and died out just as quickly. Within a few months, everything settled down. Meanwhile, Lin Qingtang's orchid painting finally transformed from a pile of weeds into something resembling an orchid.

Their intimacy didn't escape notice, and while some people attempted to impeach them, they were hindered by the fact that the Emperor set an example. 

The incident involving Long Yang was no longer as controversial in the court and among the people as it used to be. Trying to impeach Lin Su would be going against the Emperor, so those old foxes could only lament the fact that this newly appointed official of the Ministry of Revenue was indeed cunning and crafty.

However, everyone could see that Lin Su was favored by the Emperor. The new imperial examinations typically required three years of service before promotion, but for someone like Lin Su to leap directly from one rank to another before three years had passed was extremely rare. 

However, considering the recent removal of a large number of officials and the resulting vacancies, coupled with Lin Su's exceptional abilities, his appointment to the Ministry of Revenue was actually quite normal.

"I'd say being a fifth-rank official is just the first step, merely a stepping stone," someone commented.

"I heard rumors that this official has a hidden ailment and cannot have children. He wields power for the Emperor without any offspring to contend with. It's quite convenient for His Majesty," another remarked.

"It's a trade-off. A lifetime without children is a pitiable existence," another added.

The old foxes saw far beyond the surface, and Emperor Zhao Yang did indeed have such intentions. What they could see through, Lin Su naturally could as well, and he seized the opportunity to climb higher.

The Ministry of Revenue was the country's treasury. Conducting business openly and legitimately in the name of the nation not only would not be opposed but also earn praise from all sides. Especially since Emperor Zhao Yang himself held Lin Su in high regard.

A well-stocked treasury was the aspiration of emperors throughout history. Emperor Zhao Yang desired to expand his territory, and abundant silver and gold were indispensable. 

In the past, when it came to disaster relief or building palaces, every expenditure of silver had to be carefully considered. But now, it was a different story...

"Minister Lin, I wish to construct a new palace in Liyang. Can the treasury support it?" Emperor Zhao Yang inquired.

Lin Su, holding his tablet of office, replied respectfully, "This year's tax revenue has doubled compared to previous years. There are three hundred thousand taels in the treasury earmarked for Your Majesty's palace construction. How much would Your Majesty like to allocate? I will promptly deliver the funds to the Ministry of Works."

...

"After the recent victory on the border, I wish to reward our soldiers. Minister Lin..." Emperor Zhao Yang instinctively turned to Lin Su whenever funds were needed.

"I will submit a memorial later to ensure that the soldiers on the border are not neglected," Lin Su replied with deference.

Even if other ministers wanted to participate, they couldn't find the opportunity. After all, the treasury was well-stocked, and the silver allocated by the Emperor was much more generous than in previous years.

"Minister Lin is truly the pillar of our nation. With Minister Lin at the Ministry of Revenue, Your Majesty can truly rest assured," the ministers praised unanimously.

"Since Minister Lin has contributed so greatly, I recall that the position of Left Deputy Minister of Revenue has been vacant for some time. Minister Lin, why don't you give it a try for a few days?" Emperor Zhao Yang suggested.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's graciousness," Lin Su accepted the decree with gratitude.

The new official attire was delivered to the Lin residence along with the imperial decree. Lin Qingtang accepted the official robes and, after the visitors left, couldn't help but feel delighted. "Master, the Left Deputy Minister of Revenue is a third-rank official. Shouldn't we celebrate such a promotion?"

"We should celebrate in private. There's no need to make a big fuss," Lin Su smiled.

Lin Qingtang nodded, but he couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

"Climbing high is easy to fall from. It's better not to flaunt our good fortune too much," Lin Su explained.

 He knew that Emperor Zhao Yang's quick promotion was due to his abilities and the fact that he had no factions supporting him. To truly establish himself, he would need to rely on his achievements.

Lin Qingtang understood. Although they arranged a three-day feast in their courtyard and distributed rewards, they kept everything low-key outside.

Others would only commend the new Left Deputy Minister of Revenue for his modesty and composure. However, promotions were not secret affairs, and the news reached Qinghe Prefecture, causing a stir in the entire Lin family.

"Master, that's a third-rank official position! Zhi Yuan is truly making a name for himself. This year, our eldest son, Wang'er, is participating in the provincial examination. Can you ask Zhi Yuan to give him some advice?" Lin Zhuo's concubine, aware of his rapid promotion and feeling both pained and envious, suggested.

Wang'er was Lin Zhuo's legitimate youngest son, born to his concubine, and Lin Zhuo doted on him. But the intricacies of the officialdom were not something a woman could understand. 

"Zhi Yuan's foundation is not yet stable. Even if it were, he shouldn't act rashly. The Ministry of Personnel, headed by a first-rank official, can investigate any family at the Emperor's command. Moreover, the Lin family... Wang'er is intelligent. Even if he doesn't succeed this year, there's always next year," Lin Zhuo replied.

"I see," the concubine replied, disappointed that her plan didn't work and receiving a scolding on top of it. Naturally, she wasn't pleased.

Seeing his legitimate son becoming more and more powerful, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. 

If Wang'er entered the court, wouldn't he suppress her son? Lin Zhuo could discern her thoughts after years of being together and frowned. "Now that Zhi Yuan and the entire Lin family are rising together, and he mentioned in his letter that he's unwell and might not have children, if there's only our youngest son to carry on the family name a hundred years from now, you mustn't make a mistake. Don't make a joke of the entire Lin family."

The concubine was stunned. "Is... is that true?"

"Of course," Lin Zhuo handed her the letter. "Since he wants to be a filial son, you should be a good stepmother. Don't cause him trouble."

Taking the letter, she read it carefully from beginning to end. There was no lingering resentment as before. "Master, how could you say that? I'm Zhi Yuan's mother. How could I harm him? I'll definitely do my best to support him."

If that boy had no descendants, no matter how high his official position was in the future, it would benefit her son. Being in a high position, who would dare to offend her eldest son? She would support whoever her eldest son had a problem with!

The news naturally reach the Yang family as well. In a corner attic, in a small courtyard, despite having servants to attend to him, Yang Cheng had always been gentle and considerate, never daring to touch him without his permission. But being confined in this square courtyard, Qi Qingyi felt like a canary trapped in a cage.

A third-rank Deputy Minister of Revenue, only two years had passed, and that person had already risen to a third-rank official. Qi Qingyi couldn't help but feel frustrated knowing that he had to endure another year before he could shake off his current status as a servant.

"Are you thinking about him again?" Yang Cheng stepped into the courtyard and looked at his back.

Qi Qingyi just glanced at him and sat quietly on the side. "You're thinking too much. We're just colleagues."

"I didn't say who it was." Yang Cheng approached and grasped his shoulder. "Can't you look at me? Although I've only been promoted to sixth rank now, someday I'll be able to enter the capital. By then, your father's case..."

"My father's case, can you agree to it? Can your father agree to it?" Qi Qingyi sneered. "Do you dare risk the entire Yang family to clear my father's name? What do you have to compare with him? Ignoring looks aside, in terms of literary talent, you're not as good as him. In terms of speech, you're not as good as him. In terms of achievements, you're not as good as him. What gives you the right?"

He knew he was going mad, as if he had fallen into a strange cycle. From initially thinking that Lin Su bought that substitute because he liked him, to feeling strange when he found out about his hidden illness, to the pain he felt when he saw him defending that person later.

He had thought he was interested in women, but now he realized he was interested in men. It was a world of difference.

"Qi Qingyi!" Yang Cheng trembled all over. "Do you have no heart? I've rejected all the marriage arrangements my father made for me, rumored to have a special relationship with you, and being ridiculed. It's all for you, don't you understand?"

"Leave," Qi Qingyi said coldly.

"He's a eunuch, he's inhuman!" Yang Cheng took a deep breath.

"So what?" Qi Qingyi looked at him indifferently.

Yang Cheng's eyes were red, and Qi Qingyi looked at him warily. Yang Cheng eventually slumped his shoulders and walked out.

While Lin Su became the Deputy Minister of Revenue, their residence needed to be changed. 

Lin Su felt that the current one was sufficient, but the Emperor didn't want to treat his meritorious subjects harshly. He directly bestowed a fifth-rank estate upon Lin Su and invited his father to the capital. 

His father, previously a sixth-rank Deputy Circuit Judge, was now promoted to a fifth-rank Senior Imperial Censor of the Left. This position seemed like a promotion, but it was actually just a nominal title with little real power. Court officials even ignored his submissions.

This position was not what Emperor Zhao wanted to give initially; otherwise, it would have been a slap in the face to Lin Su. Lin Su had sought this position himself.

"While my father's major matters are still clear, trivial matters are prone to confusion. If he really gains a significant position, it might cause trouble. The capital is treacherous, and it's better to let my father live out his days peacefully," Lin Su admitted frankly.

Emperor Zhao found this statement intriguing. "Aren't you always praised as a filial son? Where did this discussion about your father come from?"

"In my heart, the sovereign comes first. While filial piety is important, it shouldn't jeopardize state affairs. Otherwise, it would be disloyal to the sovereign," Lin Su's words sounded hypocritical, but the Emperor liked hearing them.

The new emperor's accession to the throne at a young age naturally wasn't smooth sailing. The previous emperor had favored many, and saying that the new emperor was exceptionally filial to his father was deceiving the public eye. Lin Su had to put on a show, but he didn't need to overdo it.

"You indeed have the same mind as I," Emperor Zhao said meaningfully.

Lin Su naturally expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

With Lin Su having his own estate and his parents moving to the capital, Lin Su wasn't worried, but Lin Qingtangi was genuinely anxious.

"If I don't take care of things properly, what should I do?" Lin Qingtang had grown taller over the past two years. Though he doesn’t wear silk, even when he wore cotton clothes, he exuded a fresh and refined aura.

With his robe flowing gracefully, if he were to wear a jade belt around his waist and hold a folding fan in his hand, he truly wouldn't lose to any young master from a noble family. He no longer resembled a servant boy.

Lin Su wrapped his arms around him from behind and said, "No need to worry. You are still the one in charge here. You can try it out first. If you really can't get along, then I'll arrange another estate for them."

"I will do my best to keep the Young Master from worrying," Lin Qingtang said, placing his hand on the one wrapped around his waist. 

Over the past two years, their relationship had grown closer, and Lin Qingtang's speech had become more casual. He still blushed at such intimacy.

"You make me worry every day when you're in front of me," Lin Su hugged him tighter, whispering in his ear, "You're already eighteen. In two more years, you'll be of age. When will you agree to come live with me?"

The young man was adorable in every way, but he could be quite shy at times.

Lin Qingtang tensed up all over, his face flushing as if he were about to burst into flames. "When have I ever disagreed?"

Clearly, it was Lin Su who had initially rejected the idea two years ago, but now he was playing the victim.

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