Cloud Zhong was taken aback and said, "You think I’m worse than most people?"
Chen Lin shook his head, "Not mostly, but all of Great Song. You only see benefits or drawbacks; everything is just about benefit or no benefit to you in your actions. You can’t see loyalty, compassion, or even humanity. You seem like a star sent by heaven to kill.
You may appear compassionate and kind to your subordinates, considerate towards the common people of Great Song, and even have sympathy for merchants. The more you do these things, the more terrifying you become because we feel that all those under you—commoners, officials, and merchants—are merely tools you must use."
Farmers know how to cherish their tools; why can't you, a famous general with such illustrious achievements?
For the first time, Cloud Zhong heard Chen Lin speak so much. He decided not to talk about himself and instead brought up Wang Anshi’s situation.
"Yesterday, Wang Jiefu was hit by eggs and splashed with dog blood, then had his feces thrown at him. These were actions of those who were cared for by Wang Anshi. Therefore, I think we should do something without arousing public anger as long as it doesn’t cause widespread hatred."
Chen Lin sighed, "Actually, you all understand that what Wang Jiefu did was good for the country and its people. It's only because it damaged your interests that you view him as an enemy.
The three words 'fall from a tower' said by Chancellor Pang Jie made all officials remain silent when Houtan had been pushed down. The Empress, in front of the emperor, denounced his lack of law and order, treating human life like grass. But when the emperor said that the sky was still there and hadn’t fallen, he let the empress kneel to apologize for her words.
Hah, if the northern campaign fails, General Cloud Zhong, I almost can't imagine what you might face! Even Wang Jiefu’s situation would be a mere fantasy.
The more lenient you are on yourself now in the court, the greater your future accountability will be!"
Cloud Zhong laughed heartily, "Fortunately, I've prepared to flee overseas; they can do nothing to me!"
Chen Lin stared at Cloud Zhong blankly and said, "You always trust your monitor so much? Don’t forget that old man is still in charge of the secret service. Do you think it’s appropriate to tell me bluntly about running away?" (To be continued...)