Chapter 2653: Repaying Gratitude With Enmity
Bi Linglong’s concern wasn't unfounded. Any rational politician knew what the right thing to do was. Sparing such a person and having them around was a ticking time bomb.
Zu An, as a transmigrator, knew that better than anyone. There were too many examples in history. Dorgon from the Qing dynasty had accrued tremendous power, but despite his many years of dedication, he'd still failed to conquer a woman with a child. Furthermore, he was also a regent.
Sensing Zu An’s hesitation, Bi Linglong continued with a hushed voice, “Ah Zu, I know this would make it hard for you to face Concubine Bai. You can entrust it to your subordinates and blame it on the Shadow Group and Zhao Yuan. It wouldn’t be surprising if they pulled something while you were trying to rescue the imperial grandson. Concubine Bai wouldn’t be able to blame it on you.”
Zu An shook his head. “I know you’re doing this for me, and under normal circumstances, I should heed your advice. However, I don’t have to worry about such things anymore. Others don’t have the power to threaten me. You don’t have to be too worried about it.”
Bi Linglong was taken aback. She belatedly remembered the strength he had displayed—he seemed more like a god than a mortal. Unlike the other politicians in history, he didn’t have to worry about others stabbing him in the back, as no one could threaten him anymore.
Despite knowing that, Bi Linglong remained worried. “But I still think that...”
Zu An gently grabbed her hand and said, “Linglong, I don’t want to be a cold-blooded machine of politics. If that’s how I treat Concubine Bai and her child today, won’t I do the same to the rest of you if a conflict of interest occurs in the future?”
Bi Linglong was startled. A gentle smile slowly formed on her lips. “I understand. I was too narrow-minded. You’re more like a being of flesh and blood than the others.”
Being from a major clan and selected to be the crown prince consort from a young age, she often dealt with hypocritical officials who wanted to exploit her value. Over time, she'd become a political machine that acted to prioritize her interests and constantly questioned others’ motives. It was a tiring way to live, but she hadn't thought there was anything wrong with that...
...until she met Zu An.