Chapter 482 - Chapter 482: Willing
Chapter 482: Willing
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Old Marquis, his indignation apparent, declared his intent to reason with the Emperor.
Lin Nan responded with a mocking tone, “Your Excellency, what means do you have to reason with the Emperor?”
Several generations ago, the Old Marquis’ ancestors had made significant contributions to the Chu family. This heritage had brought the Marquis Mansion several generations of prosperity, allowing its descendants to live luxuriously without any need for personal achievements.
However, the descendants of the Marquis Mansion had failed to inherit the courage of their forebears. Each generation seemed to be less capable than the last. They did not possess martial skills, scholarly knowledge, the aptitude for government service, or the business acumen required to succeed.
In particular, the Old Marquis’ descendants were perceived as even more inept. In the eyes of many, the Marquis Mansion’s scions were little more than a collection of ineffectual individuals waiting for their lives to come to an end.
Ultimately, the Marquis Mansion had relied on the Imperial Court for its wealth and prestige, thereby leading an enviable existence without the need to strive or exert effort.
For some time, the royal family had aimed to abolish the hereditary system of the Marquis Mansion. In fact, after Su Bin’s father had abandoned his family, the emperor had refused to recognize the Old Marquis’ legal wife as such, consistently referring to her as a concubine. This had been a deliberate move towards abolishing the Marquis Mansion’s hereditary privileges.
In light of these circumstances, how could the Old Marquis hope to reason with the Emperor?
The Old Marquis’ face reddened, and he retorted, “Lin Nan, do not underestimate our Marquis Mansion!”
“While I may not possess any substantial argument to present before the
Emperor, the Marquis Mansion’s ancestors left behind a trump card.”
“I refuse to believe that I can’t exchange the death exemption medal for Bin’er’s transfer order!” the Old Marquis declared firmly.
Lin Nan was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. “Are you truly willing to use the death exemption medal to secure Su Bin’s future?”
It was reasonable for the Old Marquis to contemplate this course of action if Su Bin were to return to the Marquis Mansion to pay respects to his ancestors. However, now that Su Bin had made it clear that he had no intention of doing so, it was somewhat unusual for the Old Marquis to willingly consider such a sacrifice.
After all, the death exemption medal was a treasured heirloom passed down by their ancestors that had the power to safeguard the Marquis Mansion and its members.
Nevertheless, the Old Marquis stood tall, his determination unwavering. “While Bin’er hasn’t returned to the Marquis Mansion, he has addressed me as his grandfather. He is my biological grandson, and I am his biological grandfather. This fact cannot be disputed.”
“The primary purpose of the death exemption medal, earned by our ancestors with their lives, is to protect the lives of their descendants. By using the death exemption medal to secure Bin’er’s future, I am essentially protecting his life. Doesn’t that make perfect sense?!”
Lin Nan observed the Old Marquis’s earnest expression and sensed that he was quite serious about this proposition. Was the Old Marquis attempting to influence Su Bin with this gesture, or was he genuinely prepared to make this sacrifice for his grandson?
Regardless of the circumstances, Lin Nan felt that it wasn’t in Su Bin’s best interest for the Old Marquis to take such action.
After all, Su Bin had chosen to leave the capital of his own accord. Moreover, he had conveyed that Shanglin Prefecture was not as dire as the rumors suggested. In his view, serving as the governor of Shanglin Prefecture was a safer option compared to remaining in the capital.
Unable to dissuade the Old Marquis, Lin Nan offered a serious word of advice. “Surrendering the death exemption medal is a momentous decision. I believe you should discuss it with Su Bin first to prevent any misunderstandings regarding your intentions.”
The Old Marquis nodded firmly. “I will have a conversation with Bin’er.”
He intended to have a clear discussion with Su Bin, emphasizing that he was offering his support willingly and without any ulterior motives.
After the Old Marquis had departed from the Lin Mansion, Lin Nan remained concerned about the situation. He chose to dispatch a messenger to deliver a letter to Su Bin, informing him of the Old Marquis’s decision.
Upon receiving the letter, Su Bin furrowed his brow, clearly contemplating the potential implications.
While the Old Marquis’s intentions were undoubtedly kind, Su Bin was well aware that such a move could jeopardize his own plan. He considered going to speak with the Old Marquis about this matter.
However, before Su Bin could take any action, a messenger arrived from the Old Marquis with an invitation to meet at Zhenzhen Restaurant..