I Am A Corrupt Official, Yet They Say I Am A Loyal Minister!

Chapter 81: I had to be greedy for the sake of the people!

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So that day, Guo Shaoshuai used his brute force and killed people in all directions.

Leading his group of beggars, he defeated the beggars from other places and won the ownership of the treasure land.

Everyone was very happy.

Little Shuai, this is yours!

I didnt expect you to look so white and tender, but fight so fiercely!

You did a great job, let you choose first when the food is distributed!

We promise you will eat until youre completely satisfied!

Guo Shaoshuai was a little impatient: Hey brothers, what place are you talking about? What delicious food is there for me to enjoy later?

I tell you, this thing is really delicious! Ive only eaten it once, and I cant forget it all my life!

Its so delicious that many rich people dont have the opportunity to eat it!

In short, youre lucky today! Haha!

Guo Shaoshuai was getting more and more expectant.

Unconsciously, they came to the back door of a wealthy mansion in a high spirit.

An old beggar happily patted Guo Shaoshuais shoulder and said with a smile, This is the place I was talking about! When its time to eat, there are many leftovers in it, and the taste is really I guarantee youll forget it after youve eaten it once!

Yes, Ive been to the homes of many rich people in the capital, and Ive eaten their food! But to say the best, its this one! Another beggar said, licking his lips after speaking.

Thats why this has become a place where beggars must fight!.

Is that so? Guo Shaoshuai was getting more and more expectant, and asked again, What is this place? What is delicious? Can you tell me about it?

Of course! The old beggar laughed. Ill tell you! This is the residence of the new top scholar, Lin Beifan! He is greatly favored by the Empress, and the Imperial kitchen sends fresh, top-grade ingredients every day! Since there are few people in his household, they cant finish everything and we can take advantage of that!

We are indirectly, eating the imperial kitchens dishes!

What the empress eats, we eat!

Many rich people cant enjoy it! Haha!

At this time, Guo Shaoshuai was already shocked: What did you say? You said this is the home of the new top scholar Lin Beifan? And we are here to eat his leftovers?

The old beggar patted Guo Shaoshuais shoulder: Yes! Are you excited, are you happy?

Guo Shaoshuai:

Excited my ass!

Happy my ass!

If I had known that I was fighting for the leftovers of Lin Beifan, the dog official, I wouldnt have done it!

I am the contemporary genius of Iron Sword Sect, Guo Shaoshuai, who is famous in martial world for his lifes mission of eliminating evil and promoting good and killing corrupt officials!

And today, I actually came to fight for the leftovers of Lin Beifan, the dog official!

Eating his leftovers!

If this gets out, what face will I have left?

At that moment, his face turned black and he wanted to turn around and leave. But at that moment, the back door opened.

Dali was carrying a big bucket of leftovers.

The beggars eyes lit up and they rushed over. Guo Shaoshuai, who was about to leave, was dragged forward.

Wow! You came out so early today!

Theres still so much food left. Were lucky today. Haha!

I could smell it from far away!

Today is really great!

Dali said, Eat as much as you want, but dont make a mess here. I dont want to have to clean it again when I come back!

Dont worry, Dali. Well eat everything clean!

Dali nodded and went back inside. He closed the door.

After Dali left, the beggars went crazy and couldnt wait to put their hands in the garbage can and grab something to eat.

Wait, everyone. Dont be in a hurry! It was Shaoshuai who led us to defeat the other beggars. He deserves the most credit, so let Shaoshuai choose first! The old beggar shouted.

The old beggar was very respected. After he said that, everyone stopped and looked at Guo Shaoshuai.

Shaoshuai, you eat first, and then well eat!

Im not going to eat. You guys eat!

If you dont eat, how can I have the face to eat?

Guo Shaoshuai shook his head again: Dont bother me. I absolutely wont eat a bite of this food from that dog official Lin Beifan!

Give it to him to eat!

Suddenly, a chicken leg appeared in Guo Shaoshuais mouth.

Guo Shaoshuai couldnt help but chew twice.

The beggars asked eagerly, How does it taste?

Oh my god, its really delicious!

Guo Shaoshuai chewed with great relish and said, Its soft and juicy. The fragrance is overwhelming. When I take a bite, my mouth is full of oil. Its so delicious. Ive never had such a delicious chicken leg in my life!

Im telling you, this chicken is mine. Nobody else can fight me for it!

The beggars were overjoyed: Great!

So all the chicken was left for Guo Shaoshuai to eat.

Guo Shaoshuai took a bite and wanted another!

He took a second bite and wanted a third!

He took a third bite and wanted a fourth!

He just couldnt stop!

After he finished eating, Guo Shaoshuai was satisfied and also speechless!

Facing the wall, he shed tears of regret: I never thought I, Guo Shaoshuai, would one day compete with others for food from that dog official Lin Beifan. And I actually ate it so deliciously What a shame!

I, Guo Shaoshuai, have become the person I hate the most!

But this is just an accident!

Guo Shaoshuai opened his eyes and his face became determined: Starting from tomorrow, I must resist Lin Beifans temptation! No matter what leftovers he offers, I will not give in! I must remain poor and humble, and never be moved by wealth!

I cannot be defeated by weapons, I cannot be corrupted by wealth and status. Be a man who is upright and down-to-earth!

At this moment, a voice came from afar, Shaoshuai, are you still going to eat chicken tomorrow?

Guo Shaoshuai blurted out, Ill have duck tomorrow, thank you!

Okay, Ill leave you some duck meat tomorrow!

Guo Shaoshuai:

On the other side.

Because Mo Rushuang was well-fed and well-nourished at the Linbei Fan house, her injuries recovered quickly.

It was impossible to hide the fact that there was one more person in the house, so Mo Rushuang was often found by the little princess who was always begging for food and drink.

However, this little girls thoughts were extraordinary.

She thought that what the other party did was a heroic deed. Not only did she not report it, but she also brought good medicine from her house.

As a result, Mo Rushuang recovered even faster and could walk on the ground.

Everyone here treated her well, and Mo Rufeng felt the warmth she had been missing for a long time and was very attached to it.

In particular, there is one person, with a dignified appearance, erudition, extraordinary eloquence, and great concern for her.

He took good care of her and left an indelible mark in her heart.

But when she thinks that the other party is the most hated corrupt official, or a traitor, she feels sad

So one day, she came to the study and looked at Lin Beifan who was writing.

She couldnt help asking, Mr. Lin, when I came to the capital, people outside were saying that you were a huge corrupt official who has taken countless of money!

Lin Beifan raised his head and looked at her calmly. There is such a thing. Is there any problem?

Why be so corrupt?

Mo Rushuang walked closer and looked at Lin Beifans clear eyes. She said seriously, You have the empresss favor, you are promoted, you are rich and honorable, you cant enjoy it enough. Why do you want to be so corrupt? You know, what you are corrupting is the peoples money! If you are more corrupt, the people will suffer more!

When did I ever corrupt the peoples money? Lin Beifan retorted.

You said it yourself, you corrupted the money of the Former Minister of the Ministry of Households, the money of the officials, and the money of the students in the Imperial Academy! Mo Rushuang said.

If Im corrupting the money of the Former Minister of the Ministry of Households, the money of the officials, and the money of the students in the Imperial Academy, what does it have to do with the people? When did I ever corrupt the peoples money? Lin Beifan retorted.

This Mo Rushuang was dumbfounded.

Think about it carefully, it seems that the other party really didnt corrupt a penny from the people!

What he was corrupting was the money of corrupt officials, or the money of people related to corrupt officials!

It seems that he didnt even touch the people at all!

But its wrong to be corrupt Her voice weakened a little.

Whats wrong with it?

Lin Beifan asked again, Everyone in the court is corrupt. Why cant I? If they do corrupt, why dont I have a chance to corrupt? If I dont corrupt, should I leave it to others to corrupt? Since thats the case, why shouldnt I put it in my own pocket?

Upon careful thought, she realized that the other party made a valid point. The entire court was corrupt, so why couldnt he be?

Mo Rushuang was greatly shaken in her heart! Her entire worldview and moral outlook were in shambles!

So, I have to be corrupt! For the sake of the common people, I dont want to be corrupt, but I have to be!

Lin Bei Fan shook his head, At least compared to them, I am already upright and honest. I havent taken a single penny from the common people. I have a clear conscience!

Mo Rushuang opened her mouth but had no words to say in response. There was a moment of silence.

Mo Rushuang asked, But Mr. Lin, why did you sell out the country?

When did I sell out the country? Lin Bei Fan asked, looking up.

Just before this, when the envoy from Darro Country came to the capital to discuss tribute matters!

Mo Rushuang said, I heard that you took the bribery of the envoy of Darro country, and argued in the court, finally wiped out the 3 million tribute that was agreed upon, and also opened the trade port to promote the development of trade in Darro country! There are also scholars sent to Darro country to set up schools and preach

These conditions are of no benefit to Great Wu, but are beneficial to Darro without any harm!

Mo Rushuangs emotions were a bit fiery as she loudly questioned: Mr. Lin, can you justify the empresss favor, can you justify the common people suffering, can you justify the soldiers who died on the border?

I certainly can! Lin Beifan laughed lightly, There is no one in this world who can justify the empress, justify the people, and justify the soldiers who died on the border more than me!

Mo Rushuang looked at Lin Beifan in shock. She never thought that such words would come out of his mouth. You sold the country out, and you still justify it?

Lin Beifan asked while writing, Is three million tribute a lot for Darro?

Yes! Mo Rushuang nodded without hesitation.

As far as I know, Darro is just a small country on the edge of the Great Wu Empire, with poor land, scarce resources, and a population of over ten million. The annual treasury income is only eight million taels of silver! If there is a famine, this income will be reduced! The three million compensation already accounts for half of the treasury income!

Lin Beifan nodded, It seems that you are not so ignorant. So let me ask you again, how do you think Darro will raise this huge amount of money every year?

First, through national treasury funds! If there is not enough silver, then it will be collected through taxation, fees and other means from the people to make up for the funds! Mo Rushuang said without hesitation.

Lin Beifan asked, Are the people of Darro suffering?

Yes, of course! Mo Rushuang nodded. Their conditions are so harsh that they can hardly even farm. We can barely solve the food problem by farming, but they have to rely on the heavens for food!

Lin Beifan asked again, If three million more is added each year, will they suffer more?

Yes, only more suffering and they may not survive! Mo Rushuang nodded again.

Lin Beifan asked for the third time, If you were them and couldnt survive, what would you do?

Of course, I would rebel! Mo Rushuang said without hesitation.

At that moment, Mo Rushuang was stunned!

Lin Beifan smiled slightly, Look at you, even if you cant survive, you will rebel, let alone the people of Darro? If they rebel, they will be fighting against us the Great Wu who burdens them and destroys their hopes for a living!

Mo Rushuang remained silent.

So, this tribute is actually a declaration of war! Lin Beifan sighed, The people of Darro cannot bear it and will definitely rise up to hold us, Great Wu accountable! And there will be another war on the border region, which will happen within the next three years!

The peace we fought for with tens of thousands of soldiers, this hard-won peace, is destroyed for only a mere three million taels of silver each year. Do you think its worth it?

Not worth it! Mo Rushuangs voice was weak. Its completely not worth it, and even extremely not worth it!

Launching a national war would consume resources and money worth millions. This is just the visible loss, the unseen damage would be even greater and far-reaching. The number of casualties in this war would be in thousands and countless families will be shattered, and people will become displaced. It will cause instability in the country and affect the lives of ordinary people. Great Wu is already chaotic enough, and it cannot be further destabilized. Thats why I spare no effort and spare no cost to abolish this indemnity. Its for the empress, its for the prosperity of the country, and its for the benefit of the common people. Do you think I am wrong?

You are not wrong! You did the right thing! Mo Rushuang said in shame.

Well, finally you speak like a human being, Lin Beifan responded.

Mo Rushuang asked, But why open a commercial port and allow merchants from both countries to do business? Great Wu will also send scholars to teach there. Isnt this equivalent to strengthening their country? What if they use their strengthened power against us?

Thats just one aspect of it. You dont know the other side of the story, Lin Beifan shook his head.

Trade between the two countries is beneficial to both, but more so to Darro Country. They have people, but lack many resources, and we can trade resources for their labor. In other words, we give them food, money, and everything they need, but they have to work for us. With this, the people of Darro Country are forced to work, and they wont have the energy to fight a war. Plus, with the material wealth obtained from Great Wu, their lives will be prosperous and they will be content. Will they want to go to war? Once the war starts, their lives will be destroyed, and they will not be willing to fight again.

Mo Rushuang nodded, They definitely wont.

Thats right. As for the scholars teaching there

Just to educate them on the rituals of Confucius and Mencius, and the ways of the sages, so that everyone can be knowledgeable and reasonable! When there are conflicts, everyone can sit at the negotiating table and talk things out, instead of resorting to violence!

Lin Beifan spread his hands. You see, I proposed these conditions in order to prevent decades, or even hundreds of years, of war in the future! This is equivalent to saving tens of millions of families and ordinary people, laying a solid foundation for the long-term peace of both countries, and creating favorable conditions for the stability of the Great Wu Empire!

You tell me, did I do anything wrong?

You you didnt do anything wrong! Mo Rushuang lowered her head in shame once again.

Since I didnt do anything wrong, how can you accuse me of betraying my country? Lin Beifan bellowed.

Mo Rushuang panicked. I only heard it from the common people

You should know that most common people are short-sighted and narrow-minded, only caring about immediate interests, and are not capable of considering long-term benefits! Lin Beifan said disdainfully.

If I really betrayed my country, could the entire court and military not notice it? Would the Empress not notice it? They are the smartest people in the world, and the long-term stability of the country depends on them! If they dont object, then why cant we think about it and consider why they didnt object? Could the entire court be foolish?

Uh, youre right! Mo Rushuang muttered reluctantly.

So, in the future, when you encounter situations like this, you must think carefully and explore more knowledgeable opinions. Dont just blindly follow others, or you might be sold without even knowing it! Lin Beifan warned.

But, it seems like you also received money from the Darro envoy

Whats wrong with that? Lin Beifan became agitated. Ive contributed so much to the Empress, to the Great Wu Empire, and to the ordinary people. Cant I enjoy some benefits for myself? Isnt that fair?

Mo Rushuang felt ashamed and wished she could disappear.

In the end, she had no choice but to leave.

Mr. Lin, Im sorry for disturbing you. I know I was wrong. Ill go rest in my room now, she said, before fleeing.

Watching the figure of the fleeing person, Lin Beifan chuckled, Youre easier to handle than those old foxes in the court!

He lowered his head and continued practicing calligraphy.

Soon after, Li Shi Shi came over with a cup of birds nest, smilingly saying, Husband, the birds nest has arrived! Drink it first, then continue writing!

Good! Lin Beifan nodded. He put down his brush, walked over, and sat down next to Li Shi Shi, scooping up some of the birds nest and taking a sip. He frowned slightly, The taste is off! Its not made by you or Xiao Cui!

Indeed, it wasnt made by me or Xiao Cui, it was made by Miss Rushuang! Li Shi Shi smiled and said, She knows about your situation, and she felt guilty so she specially made this birds nest to apologize to you!

Hmm, Lin Beifan nodded and continued drinking the birds nest.

Li Shi Shi said with admiration and infatuation, Husband, you are a man of great vision and consideration for the people. You are truly the only one who thinks so deeply for the welfare of Great Wu and the common people among all the civil and military officials in the court!

After speaking, she held onto Lin Beifans hand tightly and emotionally said, Husband, no matter how people view you, no matter what the future holds, I will live and die with you!

Lin Beifan was deeply moved! With a wife like her, what more could he ask for? He finished the birds nest in three sips and then hugged Li Shi Shi. Shi Shi, its already late at night, lets rest!

Hmm, please have mercy on me, husband! Li Shi Shi blushed and lowered her head.

The two quickly returned to their room without turning on the light and went to sleep.

On the other side, Mo Rushuang had a hard time falling asleep. She thought about boldly questioning Lin Beifan today and felt so embarrassed that she buried her face in the pillow.

Im so stupid! I didnt think it through and went to question Mr. Lin. He must have thought I was so foolish at the time, right?

The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she became! However, she did not regret it. Because of this, she saw the truth of the matter and also saw Lin Beifans true face, which suddenly lifted her spirits.

Mr. Lin is not a traitor, he never betrayed his country!

Everything he said was for the sake of Great Wu and the people! However, outsiders dont understand him and he is unreasonably burdened with a lot of derogatory terms!

Although he is corrupt, he only takes corrupt officials money and does not touch the common people!

His greed is not without principle

At this moment, the Prince Hamu, far away in Darro country, suddenly sneezed.

(yn w) is a type of Chinese delicacy made from the edible nest of the swiftlet bird. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and is considered a luxurious ingredient due to its high price. It is usually cooked in soups or sweet desserts.