Chapter 374 Rebirth from the Fire
Luoyang.

When Jin Mao learned of Jin Linsuo Fan's mistake, he immediately issued an edict of repentance and gave martyr treatment to the victims.

Regardless of whether these people have selfish motives or not, death is the greatest thing.

In addition, Jinmao asked Jinlin to take full responsibility for this matter and be filial to every household.

He also warned all the princes that if such a thing happened again in the future, they would be disqualified from competing for the throne.

At this point, the advantage of the older prince is revealed, as Jin Mao tends to forgive first-time offenders but not repeat offenders.

This is unfair to other princes as they lose the opportunity to make mistakes and the cost of making mistakes increases.

But there is no real fairness in the world. If it weren't for Jin Mao, Jin Lin would have been made the crown prince long ago and would have had a trivial relationship with the other princes.

However, Jin Lin's success was not without cost. All his previous achievements in Wushang County and his efforts in the northwest over the past three months had come to naught.

Moreover, Jin Mao issued an edict to Zhuge Liang, giving him the authority to appoint and dismiss Jin Lin's future positions. If he felt that Jin Lin was really not suitable for development in the Northwest, he could write a memorial and Jin Mao would directly transfer Jin Lin and no longer let him touch the affairs of the Northwest.

Jincheng County, Wuwei County.

Zhuge Liang was very worried. When Jin Lin first came, he felt that this was a big thunder, and now it has come true.

Just as spring began, His Majesty’s edict arrived.

It is said that he was given authority, but did Zhuge Liang really dare to make a decision?
Even if he wanted to drive Jin Lin away, he couldn't show it in person. He was the eldest prince. If he became the crown prince in the future, then he would have to dream about the three dukes and nine ministers.

Even if we take a step back and say that no matter how bad Jin Lin is, he has no competitors now. Moreover, according to Zhuge Liang's observation, Jin Lin has encountered a great change and his entire personality has undergone earth-shaking changes.

First of all, it is rare to stop being stubborn and be able to listen to other people's opinions.

Secondly, in the past three months, Jin Lin is not without merits. He is hardworking and shares the sufferings of the people, comparable to Your Majesty in the past.

Finally, Jin Lin has the support of the Queen and Prince of Nanyang, so why should the other three princes compete with him?

Therefore, Zhuge Liang was even more hesitant to make a decision easily, especially when it came to the bone-setting issue.

With the construction of the second steel plant, steel rails are continuously produced and the track from Chang'an to Longxi will be completed soon.

By then, if the weather is good, it will take two days to travel these hundreds of miles. Even if a large amount of supplies is to be transported, it will not exceed seven days, which will greatly save losses and improve efficiency.

As long as this section of lane is completed, the road from Longxi to Wuwei County will definitely be completed this year.

As the skills become more mature, construction will only get faster and faster.

The foundation has been laid, and Zhuge Liang doesn't want others to take advantage of it.

Therefore, Jin Lin’s matter must be handled properly.

Therefore, Zhuge Liang invited Jin Lin to discuss matters with Jin Mao's imperial edict.

"Please take a seat, Your Highness."

Zhuge Liang was very polite, but Jin Lin didn't pay any attention to him. He just sat there without saying a word.

Zhuge Liang was most afraid of this situation, but he had to speak up: "Your Majesty sent me an edict, asking me how to deal with the matter of you still making a decision. I wonder what the eldest prince thinks?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Lin sneered, and a subtle cunning flashed in his eyes. "You are a man of unparalleled wisdom, known to the world. Why would you ask me, an idle prince, about such a trivial matter? Since my father has entrusted this matter to you, he naturally trusts your decision. I am just a poor creature who has been framed. What can I think of it?"

Zhuge Liang thought to himself that although Jin Lin's words sounded humble, they were actually sharp and meant to test his attitude. He smiled and responded calmly, "Your Majesty is too kind. Your Majesty is kind and would never listen to slander. Although this matter involves Your Highness, the overall interests of the country must be taken into consideration. I am just an assistant minister and I should handle it impartially, neither disappointing Your Majesty nor letting any loyal official in the court suffer."

Jin Lin nodded slightly, but his eyes were still stern, as if he had not completely let down his guard. "You are a man of high moral character, and I admire you. However, if this matter is not handled properly, I am afraid that it will not only affect my reputation, but may also shake the foundation of the country. Have you ever thought about the intentions of the person behind this?"

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly. He naturally understood what Jin Lin meant. There must be a complex political game behind this matter. "What the eldest prince said is very true. I have also been thinking about this matter. However, no matter who is behind the scenes, as long as we have an open mind and act uprightly, we don't need to be afraid of any conspiracy. I believe that the truth will come to light one day."

After that, Zhuge Liang changed the subject and his tone became gentle but firm: "My prince, since you are here, why not discuss countermeasures with me. After all, this matter concerns your future and the stability of Shu. I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to find out the truth and clear your name."

Jin Lin's eyes finally showed a hint of warmth when he heard this. He slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhuge Liang: "You are so broad-minded. Jin Lin is very grateful. I will definitely cooperate with you to the best of my ability."

Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "Your Majesty has issued an edict of guilt for this matter. I hope the eldest prince can understand your Majesty's good intentions."

Jin Lin nodded, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, both understanding of his father's deep intentions and helplessness about his own injustice. "I know my father's painstaking efforts. As a prince, I should put state affairs first and put aside personal honor and disgrace. However, if the conspiracy behind this cannot be thoroughly exposed, I am afraid that there will be no peace in the country forever."

Zhuge Liang said helplessly: "Your Excellency is too kind. There are not so many treacherous people in the world. If all the treacherous people were so loyal and brave, how could there be such a chaos in the previous dynasty?"

Jin Lin's pain was brought up and he fell silent.

Yes, his rhetoric was tantamount to slandering the loyal martyrs who died. How could Jin Lin not know whether they were treacherous or not.

Zhuge Liang saw through Jin Lin's thoughts with a glance, and sighed again: "I would like to keep the eldest prince here to continue to serve, but I am afraid that the people below will not agree. This is difficult to do." Jin Lin heard this, and a complex light flashed in his eyes, with both helplessness about the current situation and determination for the future. He slowly spoke, his voice steady and powerful: "Mr. Zhuge is right. Although I want to serve the country, I don't want to become the focus of disputes in the court. Since this matter is difficult, it is better to put it aside for the time being. I have my own way to explore the conspiracy behind it and restore the court to a clear mind."

He stood up, looking through the window lattice at the misty mountains in the distance, and continued: "I know you are extremely wise and will definitely have a good plan. But please rest assured that although Jin Lin is not talented, he is willing to do his best for this country. As for my stay or departure, if it is for the sake of the overall situation, Jin Lin is willing to give in and let you decide!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang's eyes flashed with admiration. He nodded gently and said, "The eldest prince has such a broad mind, which is a blessing for the country. Since you have such an intention, I will not say anything more. I would also like to trouble you to express my condolences to the prime minister's family on my behalf, and we will discuss whether to stay or leave later."

Jin Lin's face was full of pain, but he finally agreed: "Yes."

After leaving the government office, Jin Lin turned around and went to Nanyang King Liu Zheng to discuss countermeasures.

"Brother, you must help me with this matter!"

Liu Xie sighed and said, "If I had known this would happen, I would not have done it in the first place."

He patted Jin Lin's shoulder gently and said earnestly: "Brother Lin, you have a kind heart, but sometimes you are too impulsive and not good at political strategies. Although what happened today was not what you wanted, it is an established fact. We need to deal with it calmly in order to turn danger into safety."

"I know I was wrong, brother. But what should I do now? If my father knew about this, he would be furious. I'm afraid..." Jin Lin's voice was full of helplessness and fear.

Liu Xie pondered for a moment, his eyes firm: "First, you must keep your mind steady and not panic. Next, we need to start from two aspects. First, submit a detailed memorial to the emperor as soon as possible, explaining your original intention and the current situation, and showing that you are not intentionally making an enemy of the prime minister, but are willing to sacrifice your personal honor for the sake of the overall situation. At the same time, attach the private agreement between you and Prime Minister Zhuge to prove your sincerity and awareness."

"On the other hand," Liu Xie continued, "we need to unite those important officials in the court who are neutral or friendly to you and make joint appeals to the emperor, emphasizing your loyalty and talents, as well as the responsibility you have shown in times of national crisis. With more people and more power, the emperor will naturally consider it carefully."

Jin Lin heard this, and a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes: "Brother, what you said is very true. I will prepare the memorial and contact my colleagues in the court."

"Okay, go and do your work, and I will help you secretly. Remember, no matter what the outcome is, you are the prince of the Han Dynasty. You have me and the support of the entire Nanyang Palace behind you." Liu Xie's words were full of encouragement and warmth.

Jin Lin bowed deeply, tears of gratitude filling his eyes: "Thank you very much, brother. I will live up to your expectations and do my best to save the situation."

After saying that, Jin Lin found it difficult to speak again.

"What's wrong?" Liu Xie asked, "Any other difficulties?"

Jin Lin hesitated but finally said: "Mr. Zhuge asked me to express my condolences to the families of the victims, but I am too embarrassed to face him."

"You have to face it even if you are ashamed!" Liu Xie said solemnly, "Now that you have come of age, you have become an adult. It is time for you to stand on your own. Hold your head high and hold your chest out! Even if your family members beat and scold you, you have to endure it! This is the punishment you deserve!"

Jin Lin was shocked when he heard this, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, slowly raised his head, and looked at Liu Xie firmly. The immaturity and uneasiness were gradually replaced by responsibility and courage.

"Brother, you are right. Jin Lin understands. As a member of the family, I cannot evade my responsibilities. I will go there in person and use my utmost sincerity and actions to make up for my mistakes and express my deepest apologies and condolences to the families of the victims. Even if I face great criticism, I will remember what I said today, stand up straight, and take on my due responsibilities."

Seeing this, Liu Xie showed a relieved smile. He gently patted Jin Lin's shoulder and said earnestly: "Brother Lin, I am very relieved that you think this way. Remember, there will inevitably be ups and downs and setbacks in life, but it is these experiences that shape our tenacity and responsibility. Go, prove your growth with practical actions, and let those lost souls get a little comfort."

Jin Lin nodded heavily and turned to leave, but then he seemed to remember something, turned around, and bowed deeply to Liu Xie: "Brother, please allow me to use the power of our family to help those families who are in trouble due to the disaster. I think this is also a social responsibility that our family should fulfill."

Liu Xie nodded approvingly upon hearing this: "Great! I'm glad you have such an idea. The power of the family should be used to protect the weak and help the needy. I will give orders to fully support your actions. Go, Brother Lin, use your actions to bring a little warmth and hope to the family and the people of this land."

Jin Lin bowed again, and then with full of enthusiasm and determination, he set out on the road to comfort the people. He knew that this journey would not be easy, but he was ready to face everything, to take on responsibilities, and to grow.

This time, Jin Lin saw another side of the world. He also realized how many families were broken up due to his recklessness and came to realize his own shortcomings.

Fortunately, with Liu Xie's help, Jin Lin was not too embarrassed, but this incident still dealt a heavy blow to his fragile heart.

May, the second year of Yanhan (210).

Jin Lin, who had been autistic for a month, was summoned by Zhuge Liang and came to the Jincheng County Government Office.

Zhuge Liang was shocked to see Jin Lin's haggard face and asked, "Why has the eldest prince become so lonely?"

Jin Lin forced a bitter smile, his eyes showing both fatigue and determination. "For the past month, I have been reflecting on my mistakes behind closed doors. Not only have I avoided talking about the storms in the outside world, but I have also conducted a deep self-reflection in my heart. I realized that true courage lies not only in facing the swords and swords on the battlefield, but also in having the courage to face up to one's own mistakes and to bear the heavy consequences brought about by ignorance and impulsiveness."

"I used to think that I could solve all problems with my passion, but I ignored the complexity of the world and the unpredictable human heart. My recklessness not only put me in jail, but also caused innocent people to suffer. This pain is more profound than any physical injury." At this point, Jin Lin's voice trembled slightly, but then became firm again, "However, it was this pain that made me learn to be humble and learn to think. I understand that to be a true leader, you must not only be brave and resourceful, but also be compassionate and understand responsibility and commitment."

Zhuge Liang's eyes flashed with approval when he heard this. He gently patted Jin Lin's shoulder and said earnestly: "It is a blessing for the Han Dynasty that the eldest prince can have such awareness. It is a great virtue to admit mistakes and correct them. Remember, everyone's growth path is full of thorns. The key lies in whether we can stand up again after falling and continue to move forward with a more mature and steady pace."

"I will remember your teachings, sir." Jin Lin bowed, a new light flashing in his eyes. "From now on, I will treat everything with a more cautious attitude, strive to make up for past mistakes, and contribute my own strength to the prosperity and stability of the Han Dynasty."

Zhuge Liang nodded, his eyes deep: "Very good, would the eldest prince be willing to lend me a hand again?"

"After finishing the work in Jincheng County, we will continue to open up the road to Zhangye, Jiuquan and Dunhuang to the west!"

"The road ahead is full of hardships. Are you afraid, my prince?"

Jin Lin seemed to be rejuvenated and said, "I am not afraid! This time I am not only representing myself, I am also carrying the wishes of my dead brother!"

Zhuge Liang nodded and said, "This young man is teachable!"

(End of this chapter)