A Professional Avenger

[“There are two wishes from the Original Body. 1st Mission: Make the scumbag Zheng Hongxuan pay back what he owes. The throne he had helped Zheng Hongxuan to get, and the feelings he gave to him, should all be returned. “]

After going through several worlds with Lin Yuetian, the System started to explain the mission objectives in detail, preventing Lin Yuetian to find any room for loopholes.

[“2nd Mission: Make Zheng Hongxuan beg him. In the memories of the Original Body, at their first meeting, Zheng Hongxuan had begged him for help to realize his grand ambitions. It has become the Original Body’s obsession and he wanted Zheng Hongxuan to once again beg him.”]

“Judging from this wish, it seems like the Original Body is quite an obstinate.” Lin Yuetian commented. “But, he’s depending on feelings too much. The Emperor once promised him his whole life, swearing to never leave him, and was even willing to dig his heart out. But they didn’t sign any written covenant. He didn’t even leave a backhand to hold onto Zheng Hongxuan’s handle to be given to his opposition in an emergency.”

The System, [“Okay, whatever you say. Anyway, Brother, get a move on, let’s start working!”]

Lin Yuetian himself had always been good at quickly entering a work mode. He stood up and put away the torn white silk[1]. Afterward, he went out to visit Consort Lin’s courtyard. Flipping carefully over the memories in his mind along the way, he found that apparently, Consort Lin[2] was unaware of his origin. She was merely told that the Emperor granted him a new eunuch.

In this case, it’s actually a good thing.

Based on this premise, in a short period of time, a complete plot to hide from the Sky[3], while borrowing the knife to kill, was formed inside Lin Yuetian’s mind.

He passed by one of the maids when he entered the Hall of Ganquan Palace where Consort Lin resided at. Consort Lin herself was currently combing her hair, with the help of 3 maids on her side. Lin Yuetian came in and without saying a word dropped down to his knees, causing the Imperial Consort to almost be scared away.

Consort Lin picked up her fallen hairpin and asked in surprise. “What is the matter?”

“Niangniang[4], this servant wants to report something important to you, in private.” Lin Yuetian bowed his head respectfully.

Consort Lin’s thoughts turned rapidly. Considering that this eunuch was someone specifically sent by the Emperor, then perhaps there might be something important to be dealt with discreetly. She waved her hand, signaling the 3 palace maids to retire.

Afterward, she said in a dignified tone. “Report it.”

Lin Yuetian lowered his head and let out a smile.

“Niangniang, have you never wondered, obviously there is no shortage of eunuchs and palace maids by your side, yet why did His Majesty reward you with this subordinate?”

Consort Lin was born in the Lin family. Her elder brother was the General who supported Zheng Hongxuan’s rise to power. Whichever point of view to look at, Consort Lin definitely never lacked a servant. It was clear that the Emperor’s action of putting the Original Body beside Consort Lin was out of his personal feelings. This, actually gave Lin Yuetian an opportunity to start his own plan.

On the other hand, Consort Lin was quite sharp and was quick to notice the change in Lin Yuetian’s address to himself, from this servant to this subordinate.

She frowned faintly. “…Why is that?”

“Naturally, it’s because His Majesty is worried about the health and well-being of Consort Lin. Actually, this subordinate is not a eunuch. This identity is just a cover. This subordinate’s real identity is the Spy among the Shadow Guards[5] in the Imperial Palace. His Majesty has specially assigned this one to protect Niangniang.” Lin Yuetian said.

[“Seriously??”] The one who got shocked was the System instead. [“This is a dangerously, huge lie. The Original Body know shits about martial arts!”]

“Neither do the Emperor and the Consort. They can’t spot any difference either.” Lin Yuetian replied in his mind. “People in the ancient Court have a lot of precautions and consideration, they often did things in a roundabout way. Instead of directly verifying my identity to the Emperor, they will most likely guess and investigate it on their own to confirm whether what I said was true or false. Even in the worst situation where the Emperor denies my identity, will Consort Lin simply believe it?”

Consort Lin was surprised at first, but on second thought, there shouldn’t be any reason for this person to lie about such a thing, since what was there to gain from this deception? It was likely to be credible, so she pursed her lip and smiled.

“I see…Then, toward whom is your loyalty belong? Is it to Bengong[6], or, to His Majesty?”

Lin Yuetian raised his eyebrows secretly and talked to his System, “Why do I feel like Consort Lin’s words have a touch of treachery?”

The System explained, [“In the memory you have received, there’s only the information that Consort Lin is the legitimate daughter of the Great General’s family. But you didn’t know that General Lin originally was the supporter of the former Crown Prince. Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was deposed. On weekdays, he has a neutral relationship with the Emperor, but considering the fact that the Emperor might still harbor some suspicion left, he sent his younger sister to the harem to reach a consensus.”]

After obtaining the new information, Lin Yuetian pondered for a second before immediately changing his previous plan—into a more appropriate one.

Still maintaining a smile on his face, Lin Yuetian replied, “His Majesty and Niangniang are both the Masters of this subordinate. Though at present, this subordinate should be Niangniang‘s aide.”

“Haha…this kind of rhetoric, I don’t believe it.”  Consort Lin covered her lip and chuckled softly, acting as if she was a mere girl who had yet left from her boudoir. However, there was a hidden threat in the words she just said.

“This subordinate is willing to prove it to Niangniang.” Lin Yuetian said in response. “Niangniang should have heard that recently that His Majesty is raising a male lover[7]in the palace. He is called Yuejun, and His Majesty pampers him like a treasure…This subordinate, could remove this person for Niangniang’s sake. At that time, Niangniang may see this subordinate’s sincerity.”

Consort Lin replied calmly. “Oh? What do you mean? This Yuejun is someone who’s favored by His Majesty, and Bengong has no intention of targeting him.”

Lin Yuetian said, “This subordinate is willing to be the chesspiece of Niangniang and General Lin.”

“I can’t trust your words…Just what is your purpose, actually?” Consort Lin’s smile disappeared from her face as her eyes turned colder and her gaze became sharper.

Lin Yuetian immediately knelt down and kowtowed. When he raised his head, there were tears welling up in his eyes, full of melancholy. Those who listened to the voice would feel sorry and those who saw the appearance felt like they were about to cry along. Even the System couldn’t help but call out; Yingdi[8]!

“Niangniang, This subordinate entered the palace at the age of 11, and it has been more than a decade since then. This subordinate is tired of this shady life, unwilling to be a hidden force, and just wishes to leave the palace to live a peaceful life. But this subordinate knows too much about the Imperial Court and His Majesty will never let this one go. After thinking about it, only Niangniang and the General can give this one a way out. As long as Niangniang is willing to help this one retire, I will devote myself to serve the General’s every wish and command!”

“…Well, if you are truly useful, then Bengong can not only set you free but will also reward you with gold, silver, and other treasures.” Consort Lin spoke unhurriedly.

“However, Bengong and my elder brother lack nothing. You are just some small Shadow Guard, there’s nothing particularly useful. Heh…But you don’t look ignorant either. Since you dare to come and beg Bengong, you must have had another plan. Tell Bengong, what are your next plans?”

Lin Yuetian lowered his voice. “Asking Niangniang to entrust this subordinate with 500,000 gold coins. This subordinate will get away by faking his death. Niangniang will be given a look at this subordinate’s ability. Afterward…this subordinate shall accomplish a Great Thing for the General—One significant matter.”

Consort Lin’s expression abruptly changed.

Even if neither of the two verbally mentioned it, nor did they confirm it with each other, however, once General Lin was mentioned, considering the delicate state of the relationship between the General Family and the Emperor, then the meaning was quite obvious.

There’s only one Great Thing that General Lin might wish to accomplish,

…Regicide!

“How brave!” Consort Lin suddenly raised her hand and swept everything on the dresser beside her to the ground, throwing it next to Lin Yuetian’s position.

“Do you know what you are talking about?! Bengong can tell His Majesty at any time, and there’s only execution waiting for you ahead!”

Lin Yuetian’s expression remained unchanged, and he merely smiled in return. “What is Niangniang getting so angry about? The two of us know clearly the situation in the Court. Just last month, Prime Minister Lin[9] was prosecuted for treason, and his whole clan was beheaded. Prime Minister[10] Lin and His Majesty have known each other for a long time and he was very loyal to the Emperor. What reason is there for him to commit treachery? Doesn’t Niangniang ever wonder about it?”

Consort Lin coldly said, “The evidence for this matter is conclusive. The Three Courts[11] have held a joint trial, even the convict Lin had personally conceded. It was of an unequivocal conclusion. A mere Shadow Guard, what place do you have to question such a major case?”

“Since Consort Lin thinks so, then there is nothing this subordinate could say.” Lin Yuetian reacted calmly.

“However, I hope Consort Lin could ponder upon this case carefully. Before His Majesty ascended to the throne, how profound was his relationship with Prime Minister Lin, but he still ended in such a way. Niangniang lives in the deep palace, I’m afraid she has never seen Prime Minister Lin. Even if Prime Minister Lin had been living a low-key and humble life, once His Majesty insisted that he hid a mountain of gold and indulged in sensual desire, hehe…it became the fact. If the loyal Prime Minister gained such an end, then what about the opposed General?”

“Bengong‘s elder brother is loyal, how can he be compared with a sinner.”

“Indeed, this subordinate also knows that the General is loyal to His Majesty.” Lin Yuetian agreed. “But the matter of rebellion has always been up to the Heavenly Family[12] to judge upon. When His Majesty say that Prime Minister Lin wanted to rebel, then naturally he did. The General previously has even assisted in abolishing the former Crown Prince…please pardon this subordinate for being rude, but bluntly saying, should we talk about opposing the Imperial family, then it’s really far much easier for an Army General to conspire than a Civil Servant.”

“Impudent!”

“Although what this subordinate said is indeed a presumptuous matter, but Niangniang should really think properly.” Lin Yuetian was unperturbed. “At least, in His Majesty’s view, the threat of the General to rebel is way higher than a mere Prime Minister Lin.”

Consort Lin didn’t give any comeback this time. She stared at Lin Yuetian coldly, but he knew that she had listened, she was someone with quite a good brain.

“Bengong is just a woman in the deep palace. I don’t understand what things you have been talking about.” Consort Lin suddenly laughed and let out a yawn. “What are you going to do, do it yourself, I don’t understand and I won’t be bothered to care about it.”

Lin Yuetian also smiled at her. “This subordinate understands.”

***

“She has agreed.” Lin Yuetian informed his System.

[“Can that be considered as assenting?”] The System retorted.

“Consort Lin must still be wary that I was deliberately sent by the Emperor to test if she and General Lin have any idea to rebel. It’s impossible to directly acknowledge it in order to avoid others from using it as evidence to threaten or sue. But even in this way, they’re already boarding on the pirate ship[13].“

[“…Unexpectedly,”] The System quietly said, [“She really takes your nonsense to heart…”]

Lin Yuetian calmly added, “The easiest ones to deceive in this world actually are those who like to think more than necessary.”

[“May I ask you one more question?”]

“Feel free to ask. Didn’t I say before, we’re partners, colleagues in work, don’t be so restrained, I am easy to get along with.”

[“Then, please tell me honestly,”] The System asked, [“Do you like watching Harem Fighting and Palace Intrigues drama? Answer truthfully, I promise I won’t laugh at you!”]

***

TL/N: A brief review about LYT’s way of doing things.

Up to this arc, LYT has always accomplishing his task under great risk. He seems to be recklessly charging over dangerous path while his System keeps fretting for him to cautiously do the task over and over (to no avail, unfortunately).

Then again, considering LYT’s real(previous) ‘s occupation as a Hitman, it is understandable.

As an assassin, his goal is one, to eliminate his target, swiftly. There is no need for intricate planning or scheming as the longer time drags the more new variables may affect his goal.

Additionally, little to no customer would pay a Hitman to kill someone, while giving them a time duration for years or even months. Most, if not every client, would expect a quick result, as normally people will only resort to assassination when they’re in a dead end or emergency.

Therefore, LYT’s style of doing things follow his occupational disease, pursuing efficiency, regardless of high risk.

References↑1used to commit suicide earlier↑2Originally it’s Lin Guifei, Guifei is a title for the highest Imperial Concubine beneath the Empress↑3Tian: Sky/Heaven, often used to refer to Imperial Family or Emperor↑4A title to call the Empress or Imperial Consorts↑5the secret subordinates/protectors of the Emperor. It’s quite similar to Ninja↑6a title an Empress or Imperial Consorts used to refer to themselves. Similar to Emperor referring to himself as “Zhen“↑7there were some Emperors who liked to keep beautiful guys, such as Emperors in the Han Dynasty where LGBTQ was pretty common compared to the rest, they often have no title in the harem, hence the calling of male lover↑8Movie Emperor, a modern calling for the Best Male Actor↑9It’s the Original Body↑10It’s Originally “Lin Xiang“, Xiang: is a title for Grand Chancellor or Prime Minister in the ancient Court↑11CN imperial tribunal system: people’s Court system, the people’s procuratorate system, the public security system. The 3 Courts trial will be held upon a heavy crime, such as betraying one’s country↑12The Emperor or everything related to the Imperial family was often referred to as Heavenly/Divine, since every Emperor was said to be the Dragon’s descendants, a Divine being↑13CN idiom to say that one has gone in an irreversible path or choice